Understand the unique legal status that pets, or companion animals, hold and how to assist your clients in reaching the best possible outcome.
67% of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet. This number is up from 56% of U.S. households in 1988. Pets are cherished members of these families, and increasingly, when families break up, they fight over the pets as much as, or more, then they fight over their human children and are increasingly turning to the courts to resolve their battles over who gets the pets. While pet owners may view their pets as having the same status as human children, the courts do not. Lawyers and legal professionals who represent pet owners often do not understand the unique legal status that pets hold, and therefore do not always get the best results for their clients.
This topic will help lawyers and legal professionals who represent clients involved in pet custody disputes understand the unique legal status that pets, or companion animals, hold in the U.S. and how to assist their clients in reaching the best possible outcome given that special status. The material also explains the various causes of action for pet disputes outside of family law matters. This information is critical for attorneys who represent pet owners, breeders, and rescues so they can ensure their clients are able to protect themselves in the event of a custody dispute over their pets.
Agenda
Handling Pet Ownership Disputes
- Who Are Your Clients?
- Multiple Areas of Law
- Special Considerations
Family Law and Pets
- Marital Property
- Visitation/Best Interests
- Domestic Violence Issues
Custody Other Than Family Law
- Replevin
- Conversion/Civil Theft Statutes
- Evidentiary Issues
Contract Disputes
- Breeders
- Rescues
- Marital Settlement Agreements and Other Agreements
Other Issues in Pet Law
- Emotional Support Animals
- Service Animals
- Dog Bite Defense/Animal Control
Speakers
Ms April Goodwin,
The Goodwin Firm- Owner of The Goodwin Firm, the fastest growing law firm focused on pet’s rights
- Representing pet owners and pet businesses for all their unique legal needs as well as employers for their labor & employment law needs
- Featured in Safety Harbor Living Magazine, featured guest on “The Crushing Debt” and “Solopreneur to Employer” podcasts and “The Skinny” Facebook Live show, and facilitator for “Lawyering While Human: Is it even possible?” workshop
- Member of the Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar and the Animal Legal Defense Fund
- J.D. degree, Ohio Northern University; B.S. degree in psychology, The Ohio State University
Who Should Attend
This live webinar is primarily designed for attorneys. Other legal professionals may also benefit from attending.
