A Practical Guide to Pets on Divorce for Family Lawyers

A Practical Guide to Pets on Divorce for Family Lawyers offers family law practitioners a clear, practical guide to one of the fastest-growing and most emotionally charged issues in modern family practice: what happens to the family pet when a relationship breaks down? As pets are increasingly regarded as family members rather than mere property, disputes about their future care, ownership and welfare are becoming more common, and more complex.

In addition to examining the current domestic legal position, the book looks at emerging developments internationally and the growing recognition of pets within family justice systems abroad. These comparative perspectives provide valuable context for practitioners seeking to make creative and persuasive arguments on behalf of their clients.

This book provides practitioners with the legal framework, strategic guidance and practical tools needed to navigate these cases effectively and sensitively.

With a Foreword written by Sir Nicholas Mostyn.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

This book brings together the combined experience of two senior family law practitioners and fellow members of The Working Group on Pets in Divorce and Separation. The authors combined experience informs a guide that aims not only to explain the law as it stands, but to support practitioners in navigating one of the most emotionally complex and evolving areas of modern family law.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 - Introduction: Pets, Families and the Law

Chapter 2 - The Legal Status of Pets in England and Wales

Chapter 3 - The Courts Approach to Pet Disputes

Chapter 4 - Relevant Case Law on Pets and Divorce

Chapter 5 - Property Adjustment Orders

Chapter 6 - Managing Client Expectations

Chapter 7 - Non-Court Dispute Resolution in Pet Disputes

Chapter 8 - Pet Nups

Chapter 9 - Comparative and International Perspectives

Chapter 10 - The Working Group on Pets on Divorce & Separation

Chapter 11 - The Case for Reform

Chapter 12 - What Does All of This Mean for Family Practitioners?

Chapter 13 - Conclusion