They were both your fur baby and your family. But now that you’re splitting up, who gets custody of the dog? Or the cat? Or the parrot who talks back like your ex?
In Georgia, pets are considered property, not people. And that changes everything about how courts decide their future. If you’re in the middle of an uncontested divorce and trying to figure out how to handle your four-legged family member, here’s what you need to know.
How Georgia Views Pets in Divorce
While it may feel like a custody battle to you, under Georgia law, pets are treated like assets—just like furniture, cars, or bank accounts. That means the court doesn’t consider what’s in the pet’s best interest. Instead, they look at:
- Who bought or adopted the pet
- Whose name is on the vet bills or registration
- Who has cared for the pet the most
- Any evidence of emotional support or attachment
This is one reason many couples prefer an uncontested divorce—it allows you to decide what happens with your pet, not a judge.
Options for Pet Arrangements in Uncontested Divorce
Just because the law treats pets like property doesn’t mean you have to. Couples can create custom agreements, like:
- One person keeps the pet, the other gets visitation
- A shared custody schedule
- One person takes full responsibility in exchange for something else (e.g., keeping the house)
An attorney can help you formalize this in a binding agreement, especially if your pet’s care is deeply important to both of you.
What Happens If You Can’t Agree?
If you and your spouse can’t agree, the court will likely award the pet to one person—not both. There is no default for shared custody, and you’ll risk losing any rights to see your pet again. That’s why reaching a private agreement is so critical.
Why Uncontested Divorce Works Best for Pet Owners
- You have more control: Decide together what’s best for your pet
- Less stress on the animal: Pets are sensitive to conflict and instability
- Faster resolution: No lengthy battles over who gets Buddy
- Avoids emotional heartbreak: Keeps the pet’s life consistent
Closing Thought
If your dog is like your child or your cat is your emotional support, don’t leave their future to chance. A thoughtful, peaceful uncontested divorce may be the best gift you can give them—and yourself.
Want to make sure your entire family, pets included, is cared for in your divorce agreement? Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and let’s protect what matters most—furry paws and all.