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ARTICLE · 31 JULY 2019

What happens to Lassie when we separate?

Cooper Grace Ward
Cooper Grace Ward
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Cooper Grace Ward

Cooper Grace Ward

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Article discusses the issues associated with who keeps the family pet when a relationship ends.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial
Justine Woods
Justine Woods
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Deciding who keeps the family dog when a relationship ends, can be an extremely sensitive issue. It is inconceivable to some that their ex-spouse will keep the beloved fur-baby after they separate. Many people will spend as much time and money arguing about the family pet as they do with parenting and property matters.

Unfortunately, if ownership of the family pet is a strongly contested issue, there are no easy answers.

While it may be unsettling for some people to think of the family pet as property, from a family law perspective, family pets, whether they be a dog, a cat, or any other animal, are treated in the same way as other property and chattels the parties owned during the relationship.

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© Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers

Cooper Grace Ward is a leading Australian law firm based in Brisbane.

This publication is for information only and is not legal advice. You should obtain advice that is specific to your circumstances and not rely on this publication as legal advice. If there are any issues you would like us to advise you on arising from this publication, please contact Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers.

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