Sitemaps

Who gets the dog if a couple splits2007-11-25 2:55:11

My bf and I broke up and we own a dog together. We both wont give him up. I have paid for EVERYTHING. Including the purchase of the dog, vet bills, and all of training. I have all paperwork to show. He wants to go to court. He said he has a better case because the dogs home was listed as his at the vet. and he has sworn statements saying our dog lived at his place for the past 2 years-he went back and forth equally. Does anyone know the most likely outcome if we do go to court over this? My dogs address is now mine at the vet and on his microchip, but there is some paperwork with both our names on it. Im nervous i could lose him. can i ?

Answers:

A dog is (legally) considered property in almost all places. You bought him, he's yours.

Thanks for the additional details. The Somerville dog owners group has a nice website with Massachusetts dog laws laid out. They also have a forum and an e-mail addy where you could get specific help.

Since you were never married the case wouldn't see family court where everything is up in the air. Since you have paid for everything your case is much stronger. Just make sure you bring supporting documents if he ever files a suit. I know most people think of their pets as family, but the law doesn't.

---

The woman.we're always right.

Who has him now? Possession is 9/10 th's

of the law

---

i dont know the leagel part of it.but, my x managed to get my best friend my dog, and when it happened i cryied because of the lost of him, and a little for her. good luck.

---

As long as you have proof of everything you paid for, they should let you keep the dog. You seem to be the one that takes care of him more. Show them how much you care for your dog. I hope everything works out for you.

---

It really could go either way, but just to let you know some states and provinces do a joint custody thing with pets. That shouldn't be necessary though, you should agree to trade off if you live close to each other.