Curious about What Happens to Pets in Miami Divorce Cases? Read This Article Now
There is no doubt that pet ownership has skyrocketed in recent years in Miami and across the country, and pet ownership is something that many pet lovers take as seriously as taking care of human children. Indeed, the unconditional love and affection of a dog, cat, or other pet can be one of the biggest and best joys in a person’s life, one that they often share with a spouse or with their family. Pets are far more than property for many people, but they are not always treated as more than property still under many state marriage and divorce laws. When it comes to divorce cases in Miami, then, do courts overseeing the divorce proceedings make pet custody determinations like they do with children (or pets in some other states), or are pets considered “property” under Florida laws? To help Miami couples and individuals potentially seeking a divorce better understand the status of the law when it comes to pets in divorce cases in Miami, we answer those questions here.
Pet Custody Laws: What are They and Where do They Apply?
Most couples and individuals in Miami probably understand the basics of child custody in Florida divorce cases. Child custody in Florida divorce cases refers to who will get physical and legal custody of a child or children born in the marriage after the divorce is finalized. Typically, in addition to making a child custody determination, the court overseeing the divorce proceedings will order a parenting plan or child visitation schedule for the children. Courts typically look to “the best interests of the children” when making child custody determinations.
In states that recognize pet custody, a pet custody determination is much the same. However, importantly, Florida is not one of the states that recognizes pet custody. Instead, pets are considered “property” under Florida marriage and divorce laws, and judges overseeing Miami divorces will analyze who gets the pet under the rubric of marital property determinations. There is no shared “pet custody” in Miami under Florida marriage and divorce laws, so once the court orders who the pet belongs to, the other spouse will have no rights to visit or see the pet.
Legal Help with Your Miami Divorce – Miami Divorce Lawyer
Pets are some of the most important “people” in many of our lives, and the thought of losing a pet completely in a divorce is a scary thing for many individuals in Miami who are facing divorce. If you are seeking a divorce in Miami, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced Miami divorce attorney about your rights and options. The experienced Miami divorce attorneys at True North Law, P.A. help individuals in Miami who are seeking a divorce with their complex divorce issues.
No one should have to navigate the complex Miami divorce process alone. Contact the experienced Miami divorce attorneys at True North Law, P.A. today and speak to an experienced divorce lawyer about your rights and options now.
