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What’s going to happen to family pets in a divorce?

On Behalf of | Apr 21, 2020 | Prenuptial Agreements |

When a Texas couple decides to end their marriage, they must address all marital assets and decide how they will divide them. One important factor to consider is what will happen to the family pet, which can be an emotional and contentious issue for both parties. To lower the chance of a fight over pet custody during a divorce, some couples choose specific types of prenuptial agreements before they marry, sometimes called pup nups. 

Couples often choose prenuptial agreements because they can protect their rights and interests in case of a divorce. It outlines how they will divide marital property, and it reduces the chance of fighting in court over assets and money. A pup nup serves the same purpose except it allows a couple to address how they will share custody of the dog or which party will get to keep the pet. 

These agreements don’t just address custody of the pet. A couple can also use this type of agreement to decide who will pay for vet bills and food, and what will happen when one party needs to change the visitation schedule. Having marital contracts in place may seem unnecessary, but they can actually save a couple time and money in case of a divorce.

No Texas couple goes into marriage assuming it will end in divorce. However, it is always beneficial to be prepared for unexpected situations in the future. This may include drafting a prenuptial agreement or an agreement that will address the issue of the family pet. Being prepared can provide both parties with peace of mind going forward.