We are a country of pet lovers. Our pets are beloved family members and they can be the subject of bitterly contested negotiations in divorce proceedings or in the case of separating couples.

You may have read about Melanie Griffiths and Antonio Baderas fighting about their three dogs; Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart arguing about Bernie and Bear their newly adopted dogs; Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams dispute about their 6 cats and two dogs. One in four UK divorces involve a pet related dispute.

A ‘petnup’ is like a prenuptial or separation agreement dealing with pets. The law treats a pet as a chattel – personal property. Normally the person who bought and registered the pet is the owner unless the per was given as a gift to the other party. A petnup will avoid the cost of legal proceedings and can set out who the pet will live with and who will fund its day to day care.

Laurie Avadis is both a family law specialist and a pet lover. He can draft your petnup and your prenup preventing future heartache and expense.