Yesterday in Salem, N.J, a judge ordered a former couple to share custody of Dexter, after the pair paid lawyers $40,000 in their contest for custody. Fox TV reports that one “parent” isn’t happy with a judge’s custody decision and may appeal.
Judge John Tomasello said Doreen Houseman and Eric Dare, cohabitants who lived together for 13 years but never married and broke up in 2006, must share equal custody of the dog. Dare told reporters he may appeal the decision.
Dexter was earlier declared to be the parties' joint property. Therefore, a suitable custody arrangement had to be determined. That judge said that there were three options: one or the other “parent” could get full custody or a joint visitation agreement can be decided.
In March, another New Jersey court decided pets have a special value beyond being basic property. I blogged about that case here: Who gets to keep the family pet? Custody of Fido.
Here's something to think about . . . whether you're part of a married or unmarried couple. If you intend to get really emotionally attached to a pet, then you buy the pet, you buy the pet food, toys, beds, etc. You find the veterinarian, take the pet to his or her appointments and pay the bills. Keep all of your receipts. Then there should be no question but that you have a stronger claim to the pet in the event of a breakup, despite the potential for a court to decide, as occurred in New Jersey, that pets have a special value beyond being basic property.
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