Grotta & Associates, P.C.

Call Us Today: 708-873-9500

REVIEW US
  • Home
  • Practice Areas
    • Divorce Issues
    • Parental Rights
    • Other Family Law Matters
  • About
    • Your First Meeting With Us
    • Firm News
    • Thomas E. Grotta
    • Kelly D. Marks
    • Steven S. Russo
  • FAQ
    • Who Needs A Prenuptial Agreement?
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact
Grotta & Associates, P.C.

708-873-9500

  • Home
  • Practice Areas
    • Divorce Issues
    • Parental Rights
    • Other Family Law Matters
  • About
    • Your First Meeting With Us
    • Firm News
    • Thomas E. Grotta
    • Kelly D. Marks
    • Steven S. Russo
  • FAQ
    • Who Needs A Prenuptial Agreement?
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Contact
REVIEW US

Yes, you may have a right to visitation with your beloved pet

by Mary Jo Rowinski | Mar 19, 2019 | Firm News |

People all too often assume that couples who don’t have children have an easy time going through divorce. The truth is that divorce is difficult regardless of how big or small your family unit is.

While couples who don’t have children won’t have to worry about arranging for child support or visitation schedules, they may still have a dependent in their life with whom they want to retain a relationship.

In this case, however, it would be a four-legged dependent, not a child. People can develop intense and meaningful bonds with pets or companion animals.

It’s only natural to want to retain this relationship at a time when you likely need that unconditional love to help you cope with the reality of divorce. In short, you need to ensure you have custody of your pet.

For most of its history, the state of Illinois has treated pets like property in divorce proceedings. That means that one spouse could receive the pets in divorce, but the judges deciding the outcome of the divorce couldn’t really do more than this.

Thanks to a newer law in Illinois, you have a right to visit with your four-legged friend even if you know you can’t offer them a forever home after the divorce.

Visitation and shared custody of pets is now possible in an Illinois divorce

The courts have seen too many protracted battles because of the “winner take all” approach that resulted from viewing animals as possessions. People would become so emotional about the pet that they’d lose sight of the bigger picture.

Since the new law went into effect on Jan. 1, 2018, divorcing couples in Illinois have had more options regarding how they handle their companion animals. For some couples, the option of sharing custody or arranging for visitation could solve the biggest outstanding issue and help the divorce proceed without litigation.

Couples choosing to go through mediation could also make use of this new law by outlining a custody agreement or visitation schedule for their pets in the mediation session.

How do judges decide custody of pets?

Judges will make decisions in litigated cases based on the best interests of the pet. If both of the people involved have the space and time to devote to the animal, shared custody may be the best solution.

If one person works long hours or regularly travels as part of their job, they may not be able to offer full-time housing and care to the pet. In a scenario like this, agreeing to visitation could be the best outcome.

Like any other area of family law, custody can quickly become complicated and contentious. Working with an experienced Illinois family law attorney is your best option for keeping your pet a part of your life as you navigate divorce.

Recent Posts

  • Ways to divide the house
  • Which parent pays for college after a divorce?
  • Should you leave your divorce off social media?
  • Should we consider “nesting” as post-divorce living arrangement?
  • Who can get an uncontested divorce?

Archives

  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016

Categories

  • blog
  • Child Custody
  • Divorce
  • Family Law
  • Firm News
  • Uncategorized

RSS Feed

Subscribe To This Blog’s Feed

FindLaw Network
Rated By Super Lawyers Thomas E Grotta 10 Years
National Association of Distinguished Counsel 2019
Leading Lawyers Thomas E. Grotta Peer Selected 2018
Leading Lawyers Kelly D. Marks Peer Selected 2018
National Association of Distinguished Counsel 2018
Leading Lawyers Kelly D. Marks Selected 2017
10 Best 2017 Female Attorney Client Satisfaction
emerging lawyers Kelly D. Marks Selected in 2016
Attorney And Practice Magazine's Family Law Top 10
10 Best 2015-2016 2 Years Client Satisfaction
Illinois State Bar Association
The Chicago Bar Association Founded 1874
Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
Will County Bar Association
Top Attorneys Thomas Edward Grotta 2018
Top Attorneys Thomas Edward Grotta 2018

Get Experienced Legal Help You Want

Chicago Office Map
22 W. Washington Street
Suite 1500
Chicago, IL 60602
MAP & DIRECTIONS
Mokena Office Map
18927 Hickory Creek Drive
Suite 115
Mokena, IL 60448
MAP & DIRECTIONS
Oak Brook Terrace Office Map
1 S 660 Midwest Road
Suite 320
Oak Brook Terrace, IL 60181
MAP & DIRECTIONS
Joliet Office Map
63 W. Jefferson
Suite 100
Joliet, IL 60432
MAP & DIRECTIONS

Phone: 708-873-9500
Fax: 708-873-9555

  • Follow

© 2021 Grotta & Associates, P.C.. All Rights Reserved.

Disclaimer | Site Map | Privacy Policy | Business Development Solutions by FindLaw, part of Thomson Reuters

Image for Pay Securely with Lawpay