Published on:
Divorce and the Family Pet
Dogs are a large part of many families. But what happens with the family pet when you are separating or seeking a divorce?
Although many consider pets family, North Carolina considers pets as property. Like all other property, they could be subject to equitable distribution. North Carolina is an equitable distribution state where the property of the marriage is to be split equitably among both parties. The court may not always split the property evenly, but it must be split equitably between both parties. Under N.C.G.S. § 50-20, the parties’ property must be classified as separate, divisible, or marital, valued, and divided between them. This classification, valuation, and division applies to family pets. Continue reading →