A divorced couple in Maryland were granted split custody of their beloved 16-pound gray-black Lhasa Apso.  A sympathetic Judge Graydon S. McKee III recognized during divorce proceedings that they were both responsible and loving pet owners, and so agreed to allow them to split custody of the dog into two six month periods a year.  

McKee stated, "It was very clear that both of them love this dog equally ... The only fair thing to do was to give each one an equal chance to share the love of the dog".  McKee also said that he does own dogs, but his love for dogs did not factor into his decision.  "I really applied good common sense ... Treat other people the way you would want to be treated if you were in that situation".

Under Maryland law, pets are considered jointly owned property and are to be sold if the owner's split up and cannot agree on who should keep them.  The proceeds from the sale are then split between the owners.  

If you or someone you know is considering filing for divorce, contact the Raleigh divorce lawyers of Marshall & Taylor P.C. at 919-833-1040 to learn more about your rights.