Divorce is often a painful process, not only for the couple involved, but for everyone — and everything — caught in the middle. This includes the family dog. If you are going through a divorce in Illinois and want to keep your dog or another pet, the law has evolved in ways that may help you. However, success is not automatic. You must be prepared to show the court why your continued care of the pet is appropriate, fair, and in the pet’s best interests.
This blog will explore how Illinois courts now handle pets in divorce, how to demonstrate your connection to the animal, and how to respond if your spouse is acting in bad faith. When working with clients dealing with complex property division issues involving pets, our Illinois divorce attorneys will also examine practical concerns such as expenses, gifting, and the role pets play in children’s emotional lives.