Take the house, take the car – but I am keeping the dog!

Take the house, take the car – but I am keeping the dog!

Take The House, Take The Car – But I Am Keeping The Dog!

During your first dinner out together, you politely offer the last bite of the chocolate cake to your date.  Once you are married, you playfully rush to claim that last piece with your fork before your partner can. But when it comes to discussions regarding your divorce it’s another story: You talk about what percentage of the dessert goes to whom, how exactly different parts of the piece should be allocated, and what the implications are for the bill.

The very notion of divorce is in itself already complicated. The kids, the emotions, the documents, the finances, the mutual friends, the re-established identities, and, for our purposes here – the assets. Unfortunately, the process doesn’t just end with an organised compartmentalisation of these various aspects of a separation. It isn’t as simple as arranging the matters into different files. Under each category, divorcees and lawyers are confronted with a whole labyrinth of further questions, dilemmas, and surprises. So when we open up the folder labelled “assets”, there are cobwebs of anything and everything that has been in existence since the beginning of the union and is now legally up for division, as well as a number of things the partners brought to the marriage from their previous lives.

Even in less extreme situations where both parties are calm, level-headed, and rational, indecision remains inevitable. Regardless of how well a person can cope in the midst of conflict, dividing assets can be hard. And the focus isn’t always on monetary value. The extent to which people go when claiming ownership is exemplified by the mass of scenarios that revolve around the ubiquitous question: Who gets the dog? I imagine the conversations take place somewhere along the lines of: Keep the mansion, keep the sports cars, keep the beach house, but the dog stays with me. Indeed, most dog owners would certainly agree, a well-developed human-dog relationship can feel emotionally unparalleled. Clinical psychologist Helen Nightingale says, “Children can verbalise and state a preference, so pets are often fought over far more fiercely.” Celebrities also pursue custody over creatures they’ve gotten earnestly attached to. Jake Gyllenhaal was keen to hold on to a German shepherd named Atticus after a relationship breakdown, while Drew Barrymore retained Flossie, a beloved labrador-chow cross, in her divorce from comedian Tom Green – but who can blame her: the dog famously saved the couple from a house fire some months before.

When no compromise is reached between a couple, they can apply for a judge to make the decision, as pets are considered chattels (personal possessions) by law. There is no codified approach for pet custody disputes so UK family courts apply the same test used for the general law of property.  This uses factors like whose name appears on the pet’s registration or which ex-spouse paid for food bills and other such expenses.

The problem with a mere determination of which side has the better claim to the title of the property lies in its lack of comprehensiveness. A piece from the International Journal of Law, Policy and the Family published by Oxford Journals analyses the emergence of pet custody disputes in relation to theoretical tools from child law. American courts – in contrast to the UK – occasionally go a step further from conventional property law principles and take into account the “best interests of the animal” test in light of its living and sentient nature.. At present, however, the line between its perception as property and as a member of the family is still conspicuous, and there is no indication of imminent reform.

In 2003 Switzerland changed its Civil Code to deal with pets – the provision that deals with shared ownership of property was amended, requiring courts to give sole ownership of a jointly owned pet to the person the court thinks will be a better pet owner,, both physically and psychologically. If England were to delve deeper into this template, modifications in terms of visitation rights and care costs could come into play.

The fact that guardianship of pets is finding its way to the centre of family law debate reveals two things – first, that the legal system is ever-evolving, and second and more importantly, the depths and intricacies of the struggles of those going through a marital breakdown.

If you have a dispute that involves pets then get in touch. Melanie Steeples and Megan Bennie have worked closely with dog owners in the past to ensure that their pets remain part of the family.

by Isabel Agudo  
Isabel is a guest blogger for Grayfords. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics from Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City. She is currently pursuing the Graduate Diploma in Law at The University of Law in London.

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Regular Catch-up Strategies


At Grayfords, we understand the importance of developing effective strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for our clients in family law and private client law matters. That's why we prioritise regular catch-up strategies to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and aligned with your goals. 

As experienced family and private client lawyers, and strategy experts, we recognise that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Through regular catch-up sessions, we engage in open and collaborative discussions with our clients to gain a thorough understanding of their objectives, concerns, and preferences. These ‘catch-ups’ allow us to assess the progress of your case, identify any evolving needs or challenges, and adjust our strategies accordingly. We are also then able to put in place any personal support our clients may need should they wish to avail themselves of our coaching and therapy & mental health services at any point during their legal matter.

By maintaining regular communication, we can provide you with updates on the status of your case, share important information, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This proactive approach ensures that you are actively involved in the decision-making process and empowers you to make informed choices throughout the legal proceedings. 

Our aim is to ensure that your case is being handled in the most efficient and effective way possible. Through our regular catch-up strategies, we can evaluate the success of our current strategies, make necessary adjustments, and optimise our approach to maximise the chances of achieving a favourable outcome for you. 

At Grayfords, we value your input and understand that your goals are essential to the success of your case. Our commitment to regular catch-up strategies reflects our dedication to providing personalised and client-centered legal services. By working together, we can create a strong partnership and develop strategies that align with your vision and aspirations. 

Strategic Partnerships​


At Grayfords, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to enhance the quality and efficiency of our legal services. We understand that legal matters often require expertise in various specialised areas, and that's why we have established strong relationships with trusted and renowned specialists in both family law, private client law, and therapy and mental health support.

Our strategic partnerships enable us to provide a streamlined and comprehensive legal service to our clients. When your case requires consultation or assistance in specific areas of the law, we have the resources and connections to quickly and efficiently engage the right experts. 

Whether it's a complex family law issue or a multifaceted private client law matter, our network of trusted specialists allows us to draw upon their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible advice and representation for our clients. These partnerships ensure that we can offer comprehensive solutions that address all aspects of your case, providing you with a holistic approach to your legal (and personal) needs. 

By collaborating with specialists in various legal fields, we can navigate intricate legal challenges more effectively, saving you time, effort, and potential complications. Our commitment to strategic partnerships means that we stay informed about the latest developments in family law and private client law, ensuring that our advice and strategies are up-to-date and relevant. 

At Grayfords, we value the importance of offering a well-rounded legal service to our clients. Our strategic partnerships enable us to tap into a wealth of expertise and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our services. You can trust that we have the necessary connections to consult with specialists whenever needed, ensuring that every aspect of your case is addressed with proficiency and efficiency while also supporting you on a personal level as needed.

Time for you


At Grayfords, we understand the value of time, and we prioritise our clients by ensuring that they receive the attention and support they need throughout their legal journey. Unlike other family law and firms, we never claim to be too busy for our clients. We believe that effective communication is essential, and our team is always accessible and responsive to your needs.

Whether you have a question, or concern, or need an update on your case, our dedicated team of family law and private client law experts will be readily available to assist you. We go the extra mile to ensure that you can reach us conveniently and promptly. You can count on us to answer your calls or reply to your messages on platforms like WhatsApp, enabling efficient and effective communication.

Our commitment to internal collaboration and dynamism ensures that there is always someone available to address your family law or private client law case. We understand that legal matters can be time-sensitive, and we strive to provide timely and accurate advice. You can rely on our team's collective knowledge and expertise to guide you through the complexities of family law and private client law.

At Grayfords, we recognise that your time is valuable, and we respect that by being responsive, accessible, and dedicated to your case. We prioritise open and transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. You can trust that we will dedicate the necessary time and attention to your legal matters, ensuring that you feel supported and well taken care of.

Specialised Service


At Grayfords, we offer a specialised range of services across both family law and private client law, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With a focus on honesty, empathy, and pragmatism, we provide reliable legal advice that is designed to help our clients achieve success in their legal matters. 

In the realm of family law, we understand the emotional challenges that can arise during sensitive family disputes. Our team of experienced family law solicitors provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the process. Whether you are going through a divorce, child custody battle, or dealing with complex property division, we have the expertise to navigate these intricate matters while prioritising your best interests. 

In the field of private client law, we recognise the complexities and demands that business owners and HNWIs face in today's dynamic marketplace. Our private client law services encompass a wide range of areas including wealth planning, asset management, trusts, wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. We aim to be your trusted legal partner, offering strategic advice and solutions that align with your commercial objectives as you navigate your family matter. 

At Grayfords, we believe in fostering long-term exceptional working relationships with our clients. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to understand your unique circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that anticipate your individual needs. We pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding personal service level, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your legal journey.  

Our ultimate goal is to alleviate the pressure and stress often associated with legal matters. We are committed to guiding you through the complexities of family law and private client law, allowing you to focus on what matters most to you. Trust Grayfords to provide you with the specialised legal services you deserve, backed by our expertise, integrity, and dedication to your success.