Pets are family. As a growing number of people form emotional attachments with their animals, the divorce process is further complicated by decisions around who gets to keep the pets. What can people do to look out for the best interests of the animal involved? What does the law say?Professor David Favre practiced law in Virginia prior to joining the Michigan State University Law College faculty in 1976. An expert in animal law, David has written several articles and books dealing with issues like animal cruelty, wildlife law, the use of animals in scientific research and international control of animal trade. He is a national officer of the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the ABA Committee on Animal Law, and David teaches Property, International Environmental Law, Wildlife Law and Animal Law at MSU.Today, David joins Katherine to explain the many facets of animal law and how it has evolved in the US over the last 150 years. He shares his take on animals as ‘living property’ and walks us through the legal process of creating a trust to provide for our pets. David speaks to decision-making about pets in the divorce process, offering insight around the emotionally changed nature of those discussions and why joint agreements are preferable to litigation. Listen in to understand the evolution of the law when it comes to animals and divorce—and learn how Alaska is at the forefront of legislation based on the best interests of the animal.Topics CoveredThe many aspects of animal lawHow animal law in the US has changed in the last 150 yearsThe popularity and acceptance of companion animalsThe creation of trusts for animals in the 1990’sDavid’s take on the idea of animals as ‘living property’Human has legal controlAnimal has status above propertyHow animals become a proxy for negative circumstances between peopleMaking decisions about where the pet is placed after divorceEmotional attachment, comfort and supportFinancial well-being, best quality of lifeWhy David recommends joint agreements over litigationThe emotional nature of mediations involving petsThe evolution of laws around pets and divorceAlaska first to give judge authorityPlacement based on best interest of animalDavid’s advice around providing for your animal through a trustConnect with David FavreDavid’s Faculty Profile: www.law.msu.edu/faculty_staff/profile.php?prof=12ResourcesBooks by David Favre: amazon.com/David-S.-Favre/e/B001JSDCDYConnect with Katherine MillerThe Center for Understanding Conflict: http://understandinginconflict.org/Miller Law Group: https://westchesterfamilylaw.com/Katherine on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kemiller1