Rewriting a Letter About Noodle's Custody

Dear Kristin, My wife and I have decided to end our marriage after being together for ten years. Luckily, the divorce process has been smooth sailing, with agreements on custody of our kids and dividing assets. However, the biggest challenge we face now is deciding who gets to keep our beloved dog, Noodle. We adopted Noodle early on in our marriage, before starting a family, and both consider him to be our "first child."

Despite our mutual love for Noodle, we are struggling to come to a resolution on his custody arrangements. Since my wife will have primary custody of the children, we have agreed that Noodle will stay with her and the kids. However, I will be taking care of Noodle whenever the children visit me for extended periods. Noodle is getting older, and while he is currently healthy, we anticipate that there may be costly health issues as he continues to age.

Here lies the dilemma – my wife is requesting financial support for Noodle similar to child support. I find this request to be unusual and unreasonable. While I will provide Noodle with everything he needs while he is with me, I believe my wife should bear the financial responsibility since she fought for custody of our furry family member. Should I comply with her request and provide her with monthly payments for Noodle’s care?

Sincerely, Noodle’s Dad

Kristin's Response on Noodle's Custody Dilemma

Dear ND, I'm sorry to hear about the end of your marriage, but I commend you both for handling the divorce process amicably. Regarding your ex-wife's request for financial support for Noodle, it is not a common practice and is not legally required in most states. While pets hold a special place in our hearts, they are still viewed as property in the eyes of the law.

While it may not be necessary, maintaining goodwill and peace in your post-divorce relationship is important. Consider contributing some financial support for Noodle if it is within your means and will not cause financial strain. By doing so, you can ensure that Noodle's care is not compromised and avoid unnecessary conflict with your ex-wife.

Remember, even after the divorce is finalized, you will still have a relationship with your ex-wife. Keeping things civil and respectful will benefit both of you in the long run. If providing some financial support for Noodle can help maintain harmony, it may be worth considering.

Good luck handling this situation and navigating your post-divorce relationship with your ex-wife. - Kristin