What You Can Learn From Celebrity Custody Battles Over Their Pets

We live in a society where pets are no longer just pets; they're part of the family and are sometimes loved even more than actual family members.  Emotions can run high when pets are involved in a divorce or separation. Couple that with a celebrity divorce and pet custody battles can get quite heated and emotional. Below, let's explore how some celebrities handled their pet custody disputes.

 

How Celebrities Handled Their Pet Custody Disputes

 

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s divorce was publicized everywhere because of their pet custody disputes. They had to fight for custody over two adorable teacup Yorkshire terriers named Pistol and Boo. Some of the headlines that surfaced around their pets in 2015 were because they brought the dogs into the United States illegally from Australia and didn’t follow quarantine rules.

The pet custody battle for Pistol and Boo was a contentious issue in their divorce settlement. So, who ultimately got custody of Pistol and Boo? Amber Heard did, read more about it here.

 

Celebrity couple Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux also fought over the custody of their dogs. Their custody battle ended in agreeing to a shared custody arrangement that allowed both parties to maintain relationships and time with their pets.

 

Country western stars Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton divorced back in 2015 and their divorce included a pet custody battle over many of their dogs. Because both Miranda and Blake were pet lovers they had fifteen rescue dogs to negotiate custody over. Can you imagine having to fight for the custody of fifteen of your pets?

 

How Can You Avoid Legal Battles Over Your Pets?
 

Don't wait until it's too late to discuss a pet custody arrangement with your partner. It is a strategic move to incorporate a “pet-nup” agreement in the event that your marriage or relationship ends.

 

A “pet-nup” should outline which party is going to retain primary custody of the pet or pets and what the visitation schedules will be.

 

Additionally, it should outline the financial responsibilities of the pets.  Financial responsibilities may include day-to-day expenses for food, pet supplies, veterinary care, and any additional emergency pet expenses such as boarding your pet when traveling.

 

What is Important When it Comes to Pet Custody Arrangements

 

Just as the welfare of children is most important when it comes to child custody; the best interests of the pet must be considered when it comes to pet custody. Factors such as which pet parent has the most amount of time to care for the pet will also be considered, amongst other factors.

 

Do You Want to Protect the Custody of Your Pet with a Pet Custody Arrangement?

 

Call Sabra Law Group today at 646-472-7971 to learn more about incorporating a pet custody agreement.  A pet custody agreement can protect your “furry friends” in the event of a divorce or split from your partner.