A Practical Guide to Pets on Divorce for Family Lawyers

‘A Practical Guide to Pets on Divorce for Family Lawyers’ offers family law practitioners a clear, practical guide to one of the fastest-growing and most emotionally charged issues in modern family practice: what happens to the family pet when a relationship breaks down? As pets are increasingly regarded as family members rather than mere property, disputes about their future care, ownership and welfare are becoming more common, and more complex. In addition to examining the current domestic legal position, the book looks at emerging developments internationally and the growing recognition of pets within family justice systems abroad. These comparative perspectives provide valuable context for practitioners seeking to make creative and persuasive arguments on behalf of their clients. This book provides practitioners with the legal framework, strategic guidance and practical tools needed to navigate these cases effectively and sensitively. With a Foreword written by Sir Nicholas Mostyn. ABOUT THE AUTHORS Sadie Glover Sadie Glover is a Partner and the Head of Family & Divorce at Blaser Mills Law in Marlow. She is an experienced family law solicitor with over two decades of practice in private family law. Sadie is a recommended lawyer in Legal 500 guide, where she has been noted as being a “titan” and a formidable force”. Alongside her legal work, Sadie is an all-issues Family Mediator, a twice published author (A Practical Guide to Short Marriages for Family Lawyers, first edition and the second edition which she co-authored with Philip Perrins and Beth Hibbert of 1GC Family Law) and the Co-Chair of the Buckinghamshire and Berkshire Resolution Committee. Sadie regularly presents for MBL, the leading CPD provider in England and Wales. She is also regularly asked to speak at national family law conferences. Sadie is the founder of “Family Law Friends”, the podcast which focusses on wellbeing and connection with the family law community, which she co-hosts with Estella Newbold-Brown. Estella Newbold-Brown Estella Newbold-Brown is a Partner and Head of Family Law at Lester Aldridge, based in London. Ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, she has been described as a “Powerhouse” and a lawyer with so much “energy and drive”. Estella specialises in all aspects of private family law and is ranked by Citywealth as a Top 75 Family Lawyer. Estella regularly speaks at conferences, delivers webinars and appears on podcasts and television discussing the topic of pets and the law. She is the co-founder of the Working Group on Pets on Divorce and Separation, together with barrister, Sarah-Lucy Cooper. Estella is a member of the London Resolution Committee and is a Resolution accredited specialist. In her spare time, Estella is a children’s author, one of her books (Isla and Quinn – The sunflowers) is aimed towards family lawyers to provide as a resource for their clients and for parents who are separating to read to their children. CONTENTS Chapter 1 – Introduction: Pets, Families and the Law Chapter 2 – The Legal Status of Pets in England and Wales Chapter 3 – The Court’s Approach to Pet Disputes Chapter 4 – Relevant Case Law on Pets and Divorce Chapter 5 – Property Adjustment Orders Chapter 6 – Managing Client Expectations Chapter 7 – Non-Court Dispute Resolution in Pet Disputes Chapter 8 – Pet Nups Chapter 9 – Comparative and International Perspectives Chapter 10 – The Working Group on Pets on Divorce & Separation Chapter 11 – The Case for Reform Chapter 12 – What Does All of This Mean for Family Practitioners? Chapter 13 – Conclusion