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Can your spouse take your pet (Purchased before marriage) and give to a shelter without your permiss2007-11-25 3:00:17

My wife and I are separated and she took my dog, that I purchased before we got married (My name and signature are on the owners papers), and gave him to a shelter without my permission. What can I do in this matter. I've been trying to locate him and he may be at a shelter that i'll be going to tomorrow, but if it's not good news.what can I do criminally and/or civil?

Answers:

The guidelines for custody of pets is only now being considered as being important, so judges are beginning to see cases. If you can't find your dog, you should talk to an attorney about it..Not much is cut and dried, but depends on the presentation ..and.. the judge..

It isn't a criminal matter, unless there was a prenup that had such agreements about community property, but you may have a good civil case.

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I think you might be able to do kiddnapping or something. I'm not sure how that works. Call the humane society on this one.

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Don't waste your time with suits, etc. It's such a waste of energy, time, and money. Just find your poor little dog and don't talk to her anymore. Move on and find someone who is nicer. What a witch! She probably didn't even take him to a shelter. She probably just told you that to piss you off.

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Being it was yours b/f you got married, & your name was on papers/& you still have papers---I think you have a good case of theft. Call atty tomorrow.

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she cant get rid of any premarital property. you can sue her.

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It is different from state to state. You will most likely be wasting your time.

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Your best bet would be to talk to a lawyer about this situation. I would say that if only your name was on the papers for your dog then what she has done is wrong. The problem that could come into play is the fact that you two are married and even though you are seperated, technically whats yours is hers and vice versa. But talk to a lawyer and see what can be done. Goodluck! Keep me updated, I hope you find your dog.

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Laws vary by state. If you live in a community property state, that dog was equally hers, no matter whose name was on the papers (unless you had a prenup that addressed that.) You need to consult an attorney for your options if you decide to press anything criminally or civilly.