Illinois passed a law equating pets to children in case of divorce

Фото: Depositphotos

From January 1, the law in Illinois will come into force, suggesting that custody of a pet in the process of divorcing a couple will be established in much the same way as custody of the children.

Judges during the divorce process will need to take into account the needs of animals and their interests, appointing sole or joint custody of the pet, writes Chicago Tribune.

“This will lead to people treating their animals more like children than property,” explained Illinois State Senator Linda Holmes, who was one of the bill's lobbyists.

Such a regulation is already in effect in Alaska, its rules apply only to pets, and not to service animals.

Pets are another issue that comes up during a divorce, in addition to the division of children, money and property. For many years in Illinois, the awarding of custody of a pet was treated as a division of a couple's property.

According to family law attorney Jeffrey Knapmeyer, most couples solve the issue of custody of animals outside the court as part of a personal agreement, but there were several cases in his practice when he had to go to court to resolve an animal custody dispute. According to the American Academy of Lawyers in Chicago, over the past 3, the number of animal custody proceedings after a divorce has decreased by 30%.

But in cases where a pet custody case goes to court, clearly established state law can help the judge in making a decision.

Particularly often, disputes over custody of animals occur in divorcing couples who do not have children.

Now the judges must take into account many factors, determining the guardian for the animal, in addition, joint custody may be appointed.

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