When you get a divorce, you may not initially think about what will happen to your pet. This is important to consider, though, as Missouri law does not always see your pet the way you do.
According to Rover.com, pets are typically considered property. This means that while you may want to talk about who will have custody of your pet, a court may view this animal as property which needs to be distributed. Because of this, it is a good idea to consider what will happen to your pet early on in the divorce process.
You and your spouse may want to consider an arrangement where one of you has your pet full time. In this situation, the spouse without the pet may want to be the designated pet sitter. This arrangement can allow you both to see your beloved companion. If your pet has an easygoing temperament, you may want to divide his or her time equally between both of you.
It can be beneficial to develop a divorce plan for your pet when you and your spouse first talk about getting a divorce. You should usually consider who your pet has a strong bond with. If you have more than one animal, you and your spouse may want to make sure that each of you gets the pet you area closer to. Additionally, it is important to consider your work schedules. If you are required to travel frequently for your job, it may sometimes be best if your pet stays with your spouse.
This information is intended to educate and should not be used in place of legal advice.
