During the course of a Florida divorce, many couples find themselves at odds over matters pertaining to their pets. People often feel a close connection to the animals in their care, and are concerned about their ability to take their pets with them when a marriage comes to an end. In some cases, pets are specifically addressed during the property division process, and an agreement is reached concerning their care. One couple is currently fighting a legal battle over costs related to pet care.
When the couple divorced after six years of marriage, the husband agreed to pay his soon-to-be ex-wife $200 each month specifically for the care of their beloved English bulldog. In addition to that amount, the husband agreed to pay for all feeding costs and half of any veterinary bills required for the dog’s care. In a recently filed lawsuit, the wife claims that her ex has failed to meet those obligations.
The lawsuit asserts that the woman has paid approximately $12,000 for the dog’s upkeep. That does not include an additional $18,000 for feeding and more than $2,000 in health care costs. The couple separated in 2012, and it is unclear whether any pet care payments have been made since that time.
If the matter eventually goes before a court of law, a judge may be tasked with determining the ex-husband’s responsibility to cover some or all of those costs. Arguing over pet care payments may seem trivial to some Florida readers, but other pet owners feel strongly about the issue. For those who are concerned about how their own pet might be treated in the event of a divorce, it is important to include this topic in overall property division negotiations.
Source: nydailynews.com, “Man owes Manhattan ex-wife $32,000 in dog alimony after financially abandoning pooch: lawsuit“, Chelsia Rose Marcius, Aug. 25, 2017
