
LUNCH & LEARN: Who gets the dog in a divorce?
ABOUT THE EVENT:
In 2019, Governor Sununu signed House Bill 361 which included language stating that “Tangible property shall include animals. In such cases, the property settlement shall address the care and ownership of the parties’ animals, taking into consideration the animal’s wellbeing.”
According to the Animal Legal & Historical Center, New Hampshire became the first state in New England to adopt this standard and is now one of a handful of states that deal with the needs of animals by statute.
Previously, New Hampshire property law did not accord animals any special status. For all practical purposes, there was no difference between an end table and the family pet. Courts had no legislative frame of reference or standards from which they could decide cases.
Upon marriage in New Hampshire, all property becomes marital property unless a court finds otherwise, or there is agreement by the parties.
Join Traci live for an eye-opening interview with community member and pet owner Christine Falbe who petitioned the state of NH to have the law changed to allow for the legal protection and ongoing welfare of companion animals after a divorce decree is finalized. This moves them out from under the strict “tangible property” category and recognizes them as sentient beings, not property. Before this law was amended there was no method by which one could legally protect their shared animals from abuse.
Traci will be streaming live via StreamYard on Facebook and YouTube. Be sure to have your notifications on Facebook set to ALL POSTS.
WHERE TO WATCH:
QUESTIONS:
If you have questions, text/call (603) 815-2453 or email woof@goldendognh.com.