Legal Question in Family Law in California

My Dog

I purchased my yellow lab dog on April 17th of 1999 and

registered her with a well known purebred organization in my

maiden name and only my name. I got married in June of 1999

and got a divorced in 2004. During the seperation my ex took my

dog, bred her and used my name online to register the litter. My ex

has received a letter from one of the new owners that they are

going to be taking him to court to get some of the money back

because he promised papers. My ex is asking that I sign the puppy

papers and if I don't he will ask the protem judge to force me to

sign them. Isn't my dog seperate property since I obtained the dog

before marriage?


Asked on 3/28/06, 1:25 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: My Dog

Your question raises an issue that is new to me. Property acquired prior to marriage is normally separate property. However, community property used to maintain the separate property may create a community property interest in the separate property. Also how did he get possession of the dog? The best approach to solving this problem may be to demand the return of the dog, and that you get at least one half of the proceeds from the sale of the puppies. A consultation with an attorney will help you understand your rights.

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Answered on 3/29/06, 1:12 am


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