Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

veterinary services for pet as agreed in divorce contract

At the time of divorce, I received custody of all the pets. My husband insisted on paying half of all veterinary bills for our dog Lucy (''the husband shall pay for half of all veterinary costs for Lucy.) This was agreed upon, signed and has been part of the divorce papers. Recently she needed a total hip replacement. I sent a letter to my ex stating he is required to pay half of the bill. He does not think is has to pay this since the dog is not part of his life anymore (his choosing. I have encouraged him to visit and take for weekends.) He says he may go to his lawyer to get this clause changed. I am okay with changing this for future care, but I believe, legally, he has no recourse to fight me on this current situation. Can he get out of this?

Thanks, Lisa


Asked on 4/09/03, 5:26 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: veterinary services for pet as agreed in divorce contract

No, your position is correct. The question

remains, nevertheless, how far do you wish to push this issue, and, by doing so, would the possible gains be greater than the costs---to you?

There are many reasons which I'm not going to detail here why it's usually a good idea for former spouses to remain on reasonably good terms with each other, if this is at all possible.

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Answered on 4/09/03, 7:32 pm


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