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Coping With Legal Issues

When I started getting into trouble I became pretty acclimated to legal procedures. Calling my attorney and working out bail was just another way to spend a Saturday night. Unfortunately, the stiffer the charges, the more difficult it was to talk my way out of a bad situation. After so many charges, I found myself slapped with a long jail sentence, and I realized that I wanted to turn things around. Fortunately, my lawyer was able to walk me through yet another process, so that I could make the right changes. My blog discusses how to emotionally cope with legal issues so that you can start living a good life.

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Coping With Legal Issues

Divorce And The Family Pet: How To Make Pet Arrangements

by Lillian Wheeler

When couples divorce, many decisions are made. Deciding who gets what property, custody arrangements, and finances are among the top things that are handled in the court. However, one thing that is important that can often be overlooked is the subject of the family pet. In most states, pets are considered property and will have to be handled in the same manner. The family pet can be a vulnerable topic when it comes to who will take it, and an attorney is very often utilized to help work out the details. The following can be helpful when making the decision on the pets' new home:

AKC Paperwork

One way to help determine ownership of the pet that is a dog registered with the American Kennel Club is to check the paperwork associated with the dog. The names of the owner or owners will be listed on this paperwork, which can serve as an important piece of evidence in determining who will get the pet.

Other Paperwork

In addition to AKC paperwork, there are also other documents that can help determine ownership. Veterinary records with the name of the owner listed can be used as a piece of evidence. The papers from the breeder of the animal can also help prove ownership. Both of these records can be especially helpful to the process if one person brought the pet into the marriage. Proof of payment, purchasing contracts, and any other documentation will be useful.

Pet Custody Plans

For many couples, the family pet is just as important as any other member of the family. Because of this, many divorced couples will elect to enter a custodial plan for the pet just like you would do for children. There are no rules against having a custody arrangement for a pet. In fact, it very common nowadays for family courts to not only help makes these arrangements, but also enforce them if necessary. If children are also involved in a custody arrangement, it will be best to keep the pet on the same schedule so that the kids will have their pet at all times.

When making a custody arrangement for a pet, it is important to make note of certain details. This will include the costs of maintenance of the pet such as grooming, medical treatment, boarding costs if necessary, and the like. The age of the animal is something else to consider. You will both need to be in agreement if and when the time comes to make a decision about what will happen if the pet is not going to live a viable life, whether that is continued medical treatment or euthanasia.

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