Shared custody of children is the expectation in most Pennsylvania divorces. When there are still dependent minors living at home, both parents usually have time with the children after a divorce. A judge may need to learn quite a bite about a family to reasonably divide parental rights and responsibilities between the parents.
Some couples have pets in addition to children. Others become pet parents instead of growing their families in other ways. People can become deeply attached to their companion animals. They may feel strongly about staying in contact with the pet even after a divorce.
Some couples may find the idea of shared pet custody attractive. When is shared pet custody possible in Pennsylvania?
When it is appropriate for the animals
Some types of animals have no issue with moving back and forth between different homes. Gerbils, reptiles and other animals that primarily live in a secure enclosure may not even notice that they go from one residence to the next.
Dogs often find the variety of smells and experiences in two houses exciting once they become comfortable with both environments. Cats, on the other hand, may not tolerate sudden changes to their living arrangements. Pet owners need to consider whether the type of animal they have can handle the travel and stress of a shared pet custody arrangement.
When they reach an agreement
If only one spouse likes the idea of shared pet custody, it may be impossible to secure an arrangement. Pennsylvania family law judges do not create shared pet custody plans. The most they may do is approve a settlement where the spouses agree to Shared pet custody.
Enforcing such agreements is very difficult. Both spouses have to agree in good faith to a shared pet custody arrangement for it to actually work for the family. Sometimes, those who truly love their pets have to make difficult decisions when they start preparing for divorce.
During divorce litigation, as the courts view pets as assets rather than family members. Those who have realistic goals as they prepare for divorce can either decide to agree on acceptable arrangements or roll the dice with the courts.