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Who Gets the Dog? Pets, Divorce, and Planning Ahead

Who Gets the Dog? Pets, Divorce, and Planning Ahead

Over the course of my career, I’ve handled hundreds of divorces involving pets, and yes, one of them even went to trial over who would get the couple’s dog. If you’ve ever loved a pet, that probably doesn’t surprise you.

Pets become part of our family. They share our homes, our routines, and our milestones. So when a relationship ends, deciding where the pet goes can become as emotionally charged as deciding where the children live.

So what happens at the end of a relationship if there is a dispute over Rover? Let’s discuss:

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The Pre-Divorce Money Prep Checklist: Documents, Taxes, and Smart Timing

Divorce can be a complex and emotionally charged process. Alongside the personal and emotional aspects, understanding the financial implications is essential for anyone considering or going through a divorce.

Being financially prepared is crucial, and one of the best ways to do this is by creating a pre-divorce money preparation checklist. This includes gathering important documents, understanding tax implications, and timing your decisions wisely to protect your financial well-being.

Read on for my list of essential documents that you should gather in preparation for a coming divorce matter, as well some important points about taxes and timing.

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Money, Success, and Divorce: Why Finances Are at the Heart of So Many Breakups

Money, Success, and Divorce: Why Finances Are at the Heart of So Many Breakups

Money isn’t just currency; it’s culture, identity, and power. In relationships, it can represent stability, freedom, success, or control. Couples rarely see money in exactly the same way, and when those views collide, the fallout can shape the relationship for years. In my work as a divorce attorney, I see time and again how financial stability, money management, and perceptions of success become the central issues in both marriage and divorce.

Why Talking About Money Early Matters

Most people enter relationships talking about chemistry, values, and long-term dreams, but not about credit scores, debt, or financial goals. Those conversations often feel “unromantic,” so they get pushed aside. The problem is that avoiding the money talk doesn’t make the issues disappear. It only delays them until they erupt into conflict.

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Top 5 Mistakes in Custody Agreements (and How to Avoid Them)

Custody agreements are some of the most important ** and most fought-over ** parts of a divorce. Parents want what’s best for their kids, but when emotions are running high, it’s easy to make decisions that feel good in the moment but cause bigger problems down the line. I see it all the time in my practice: rushed schedules, vague promises, and unrealistic expectations that land families right back in court.

Here are the five biggest mistakes I see, and how to avoid them.

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