Pets, Fur Babies, Beloved Family Members: What Happens to Pets in a Miami Divorce? Learn About the Treatment of Pets Under Florida Marriage and Divorce Laws and What You Can Do to Protect Your Rights to Your Four-Legged Best Friend

There is no question that many Miami couples share and treasure a pet (or even a few). Pets become part of the family, and what happens to a couple’s pet when the relationship goes south can be a major question for many individuals in Miami. Indeed, when a couple goes through a divorce in Miami, the division of property can become emotional and complex—especially when it comes to deciding who keeps the family pet. This is because unlike the law, for many people in Miami, pets are not just property, but rather, they are beloved family members. Regardless, however, the hard truth is that under Florida law, pets are treated quite differently than children during divorce proceedings. But how are pets treated in a Miami divorce, and how can you better protect your rights to your beloved four-legged best friend? We answer those questions here.

The Hard Truth: Pets Are Considered Property in Miami Under Florida Laws 

Under Florida marriage and divorce laws, Miami judges follow the principle of “equitable distribution” when dividing marital assets and liabilities. This means that all marital property subject to the divorce proceedings is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally. Unfortunately for pet owners, Florida laws do not recognize pets as family members or offer any special laws or protections –like child timesharing—for them. Instead, pets are legally considered personal property, just like a car or an expensive lamp.

 So, Who Gets the Pet in a Miami Divorce? It Depends

Since pets are treated just like property in Miami divorces under Florida laws, who gets the pet is an analysis just like any other piece of property subject to property division. Miami courts will look at a number of factors under the law to determine “who gets what,” including the pet you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse shared together.

Protecting Your Rights to Your Pet in Miami Under Florida Marriage and Divorce Laws

It is important for Miami pet parents to know that they can fight for their right to their pet in their Miami divorce. The first step is to speak with an experienced Miami divorce attorney about your specific case, so that they can see if they can represent you and fight for you to get what is due to you in your divorce under Florida laws.

If you are in the Miami area and you need legal help with your Miami divorce, contact the experienced Miami divorce lawyers at True North Law, P.A. The experienced Miami divorce attorneys at True North Law, P.A. are here to help those in Miami who are seeking a divorce with their challenging divorce cases. Do not hesitate to speak to an experienced Miami divorce lawyer about your divorce case today. Contact the lawyers at True North Law, P.A. and chat with a lawyer now.

Source:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/61.075