QUESTION
Ex-boyfriend is threating to sue for dog custody
Asked on May 07th, 2015 on Litigation - New Jersey
More details to this question:
My ex-boyfriend is threatening to sue me to obtain ownership/custody of my dog. We has shared the dog during and after the relationship, but his drung habit has put the dog indanger, at which point, as rightful and concerned owner, I cut off visitation. Does he have the right to sue me for a dog I purchased for myself during our relationship?
2 ANSWERS
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Toms River, NJ
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Edward J. Dimon
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The former boyfriend can sue and the judge can hear the testimony and decide. How were other assets divided ? Who paid for the dog food ? medkcal care ?
Answered on May 10th, 2015 at 5:36 AM
Anyone can sue anyone for anything. Frankly, I don't know how seriously the Court will take the case, but if it does take it seriously, and your boyfriend admits that you bought the dog for yourself, the question will be whether you gifted him with a half interest in the dog (in which case he has equal rights to the dog; in law, dogs are not the same as children, they are considered property, and it is unlikely that the Court will consider danger to the dog as a factor, any more than it would allow you to take sole possession of a jointly owned car because you said your ex was a bad driver - but maybe the Judge will be a dog lover), or merely allowed him to visit with your dog, who remains your sole property.
Answered on May 07th, 2015 at 12:26 PM