Pets can be a source of excitement, happiness, and comfort. They are often seen as members of the family, which is why many people refer to them as their “furry children.” In fact, a pet often acts as a surrogate child for many younger married couples, who delay having children until they are financially ready.
Having a “child-like” pet with your spouse can be wonderful—until you get a divorce.
As reported in the Huffington Post, there has been a significant jump in “dog fights” between divorcing couples disputing custody of family pets. A recent survey of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers found that 27 percent of divorce lawyers have seen a rise in the number of couples fighting over pets in the last five years.
The results of the survey showed that 22 percent of the divorce attorneys saw courts more often allow pet custody cases. Twenty percent felt that the courts have increasingly deemed the pet to be an asset.
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One of the first thoughts that runs through your mind during your divorce is how the divorce will affect your children. You want to know if they will be upset, if your relationship with them will stay the same, and if you will still be able to see them when you want.
Being a grandparent in Charleston can be one of the more rewarding experiences in your life. Like most grandparents, you enjoy spending time with your grandchildren and you want to visit them regularly.
For non-custodial parents, or parents who don’t have custody of their children, staying in touch can be difficult. Visitation can be limited to just a few holidays, every other weekend, or perhaps one evening a week.
Those of us who have young children know that they can be stubborn, irrational, and prone to tantrums. (There’s a reason why toddlers are said to go through the “terrible twos.”) During this period, discipline can be difficult; yet it’s necessary if you don’t want your children to turn into irresponsible adults. 
When you are going through a divorce, the well-being and happiness of your children is often your primary concern. Divorce can be devastating to not only you but your children as well. That is why it is so important that you make sure your children know they are loved, no matter what happens between their parents. 
In a divorce, the most contentious and emotional of all issues can be child custody. When the well-being of your children is at stake, it’s only natural to want to protect them.
