As of Jan. 1, 2018, a new Illinois state law permits divorce court judges to award sole or joint custody of pets. Judges may also take into account the well-being of the pets when making their custody battle decisions.
In the past, pets were considered property, so whichever party could prove the most “ownership” of the animal was typically awarded the pet. With the new law, owners can present arguments that take the best interests of the pet into consideration.
Jackie Brown is a freelance writer from Southern California who specializes in the pet industry. Reach her at jackiebrownwriter.wordpress.com.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!
Thumbnail: Photography by ©Westend6 | Getty Images.
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