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Pet Custody

Pet Agreements

Clear agreements protect ownership, care, and responsibility for your pet after separation.

Because pets are family too.

For many families, pets are more than property—they are beloved companions. However, under the Family Law Act in British Columbia, pets are legally considered property, not children. This can make separation or divorce especially challenging when both partners wish to keep the same animal.

We help clients create pet agreements that provide clarity on ownership, care, and responsibility after separation. Whether for a dog, cat, or other companion animal, our goal is to protect your relationship with your pet and reduce conflict.

A Pet Agreement can include:

  • Ownership of the pet
  • Living and care arrangements (sole or shared)
  • Responsibility for veterinary bills and day-to-day expenses
  • Travel, relocation, and decision-making authority
  • Dispute resolution if disagreements arise

Pet agreements can be prepared as part of a separation agreement or as a stand-alone agreement. By planning ahead, you can safeguard your pet’s well-being and ensure your bond is respected. Contact us to create a fair, forward-looking pet agreement that protects what matters most.

Recent News

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  • Family Law

Jurisdiction and Property in Cross-Border Family Disputes: Lessons from Florescu v. Lodato, 2025 BCSC 1950

Danica Beck

Jurisdiction plays a critical role in cross-border family disputes, particularly when property division spans multiple countries. In this case,the Supreme Court of British Columbia demonstrates how and when it may decline jurisdiction in favour of a more appropriate forum. This case highlights the importance of early jurisdictional strategy to avoid parallel proceedings, reduce costs, and ensure disputes are resolved where they are most closely connected.

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  • Family Law

CTV Interview: Grey Divorce in Canada: Why More Couples Are Separating Later in Life

Grey divorce—separation later in life—is a growing trend that brings unique legal and financial challenges. In this CTV Your Morning interview, Laurence Klass and Shashika Stanislaus provide expert legal advice on navigating divorce after 50, including how to protect retirement savings, divide assets, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re planning ahead or currently facing a late-life separation, understanding your legal rights and financial options is essential for long-term stability.

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  • Family Law

Factors Indicating a Marriage-Like Relationship in British Columbia: “Are we considered spouses?”

Tiara Cunningham,Keita Szemok-Uto

It’s one of the most common questions in British Columbia family law.
In BC, a relationship does not need a wedding, registry, or even the label “common law” to attract legal rights and obligations. When a couple separates, courts may find that they were in a marriage-like relationship, triggering potential claims for property division, spousal support, and other rights under the Family Law Act.

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Book a consultation with our Family Law Team.

Feel empowered in your pet matters with a team of experts.