Pet Custody: The Debate Between Pattinson and Stewart
Posted on Jul 31, 2012 4:56pm PDT
For some people, pets are as special as children. When Robert Pattinson chose to split from Kristen Stewart after her affair with a director, their dog became a hot debate topic. The couple adopted their dog Bear from a shelter when he was just a puppy. While they have jointly owned the dog up until now, Pattinson is fighting for full ownership of the animal. The battle may get ugly, as Kristen has stated that she intends to obtain custody of Bear.
While pet custody battles are not normally publicized, they do exist. Cohabiting couple who shared animals and property often have a hard time determining who gets what. Without a prenuptial agreement to guide them, the former boyfriend and girlfriend can get into a tough spot as they try to divide their assets on their own. Sometimes, a couple needs help from the courts to make sure that their items are divided fairly.
Robert Pattinson recently told Kristen Stewart to move out of their home when he discovered that she had been involved in an ongoing affair with her director Rupert Sanders. Sanders worked on Stewart’s film Snow White and the Huntsman, and also had an ongoing relationship with the star for much of the production. As they part ways, both celebrities want their mutt Bear to accompany them. According to the Animal Legal and Historical Center, the laws for pet custody in a divorce are created to benefit the owner.
Pets are considered personal property and can be part of a 50/50 custody agreement or susceptible to visitation if that is what the court decides. Often pets will become a challenging issue, and the courts will award shared custody. In some cases, owners will even receive alimony payments so that they can cover a dog’s vet bills or care expenses. If you need help with pet custody, then talk to a family lawyer. An experienced lawyer in your area can help you to work through your divorce in a way that is effective and satisfactory. Talk to us today for more information!