I am getting a divorce and we cannot agree on who gets the pets.
The dogs and cats are like children to me. How do I get custody of the pets?
Answer
On October 25, 2021, Gov Hochul signed L 2021, ch 509 that amends DRL 236. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that the best interests of pets are taken into consideration during divorce or separation proceedings. A recent case that applies this law is Acosta v Shaw, NYLJ, Feb 21, 2023 at 17, col 1 (Sup Ct, Queens County 2023).