New York City Attorneys for Pet Custody After Divorce or Separation
It is estimated that currently there are approximately 1.1 million pets in New York City (roughly 600,000 dogs and 500,000 cats). Although this is lower than the national average because of tighter city living and bans on pets in some buildings, it still works out to about one pet for every three households. As popularity in having pets continues to increase, so do the issues surrounding what happens to these animals when relationships end. Steven J. Mandel handles every kind of family law issue, including this new area of pet custody. If your relationship is ending or you are filing for divorce, it is important to seek counsel regarding your pet custody desires and how to protect your rights and the rights of your animal companions. Contact us today to learn more during an informative consultation.
We Know How to Win the “Ruff” Case
Just ask Wrinkles the Shar-Pei, Poco the Yorkie, or Sunny the Cocka-Poo, who we proudly reunited with their rightful owners. Pet custody is rapidly becoming an important part of divorce actions and settlement negotiations for all types of families, including same-sex couples. In fact, the law recently changed when a trial court judge stated in his ruling that pets should be treated more like children and less like pieces of property in divorce proceedings.
According to one New York judge, it does not matter whose name is on the owner’s certificate, because pets are not considered chattel or straight property anymore and are therefore not subject to the New York laws of property division. Decisions must be made that are in the best interest of the pet, not just the owners. Unfortunately, as of now, this is still a minority position. At Warshaw Burstein, LLP, we are not afraid to take pet custody cases to trial, and we know what it takes to win.
Manhattan Shared Animal Custody Lawyers Who Keep Up-to-Date as New York City Law Changes
We can help you decide whether to pursue sole or a shared pet custody arrangement by considering the following points:
- Who purchased or adopted the pet and under what circumstances?
- Who usually took on most of the responsibility for meeting the pet’s needs (i.e., feeding, walking, grooming, vet visits) when the parties lived together?
- Who spent more time on a regular basis with the pet?
- What arrangement is in the best interest of the pets in question?
- Who wants custody now and how close will the parties live to one another to share custody?
- Are children involved, and if so, what is their attachment to the pets? Would it be in the best interest of the children to keep the animals in their lives? How can this be fairly accomplished?
“If you focus on the solution, the problems take care of themselves.” — Steven J. Mandel
We are prepared to explore every creative option and negotiate aggressively on behalf of these four-legged loved ones and other types of pets in your family. We will even go to trial if a fair agreement cannot be reached, whether this is part of a same-sex divorce or any other type of dissolution.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Steven J. Mandel has a proven record of producing fair results in a timely and cost-effective manner. Contact us online, or by telephone at (646) 770-3868 today to speak with an experienced family law attorney about your needs.
Need Counsel or Help to File for Pet Custody in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx or Long Island? Contact Us Today.
To learn more about pet custody matters in New York City, contact us online or by calling (646) 770-3868.
