During a divorce proceeding in Boston, retaining sole custody of a shared pet requires negotiating an agreement with your former partner, wherein they consent to transfer primary responsibility for the animal’s care and living situation to you. Not only the partner but also the court requires convincing about why you deserve to have the pet’s custody.
So, make sure that your rights are protected with the help of a good Boston family law and divorce lawyer.
What is the law in Massachusetts for keeping pets during divorce?
The law sees family pets as property in a divorce, even though pet owners may not see it that way. In Massachusetts, pets are considered property that must be distributed like other assets in a divorce.
This means there are no custody or visitation rights for pets. One person will get the pet, and the other person will have to part with them forever. The pet cannot be shared.
Once the property distribution is final, it cannot be changed later. There is no option to modify it after the divorce.
So, under Massachusetts law, one partner gets the pet, and the other does not get any rights to visit or share custody of the pet after the divorce.
Legal things you need to support your court –
Here are a few legal things you must consider that will support your case in court:
- Adoption or registration papers showing you own the pet.
- Vet records prove you brought the pet to appointments regularly.
- Receipts and bills showing you bought medical and food supplies for the pet.
- Any evidence of a pet class show or playtime with the pet?
- Photos of you with the pet and social media posts about/with the pet, especially before the divorce.
- Financial proof showing that you can care for the pet after the divorce.
- A work schedule showing you have time to care for the pet.
What is the procedure for creating a proper pet custody plan?
To create a proper pet custody plan, you must consider the following pointers that should be the steps to take as a plan of action:
- Now, the law and your rights.
- Unmarried couples have different options for pet custody.
- What is best for your pet?
- Communication with your ex to manage the co-parenting successfully.
- Your willingness to be flexible while co-parenting
Contact the lawyer today!
Your divorce will help you thoroughly through each step and will definitely get your pet’s custody to you if your case fits the circumstances.
