As a lawyer or professional in the family law space, I’ve no doubt that your mind has gone to what the law says (or doesn’t say) in your jurisdiction! This is how you negotiate with legal colleagues and how you craft a court application. You are across the law in your jurisdiction, however arrangements for pets do not need to be made under that legal framework.

The parties can make any arrangement they want for their pet by consent. Regardless of whether there are proceedings on foot.

The earlier the dog is dealt with, the smoother the rest of the separation tends to go. Resolving it early removes a source of conflict and stops the dog from becoming a bargaining chip later on. I’ve seen the friction first hand.

That’s where independent dog custody mediation can help.

I work with separating couples to help them reach practical, mutually agreed arrangements for their dog, independently of their substantive legal negotiations.

When might a referral be appropriate?

Dog custody mediation may be helpful when:

• You find yourself giving extensive legal advice on the issue of pets.

• Both parties want to keep the dog and cannot agree on where the dog should live.

• One person wants shared care, but the other is opposed.

• The parties disagree about ongoing contact, visits or time with the dog.

• There are disputes about veterinary expenses, ongoing costs or responsibility for care.

• Existing shared-care arrangements are no longer working.

• Disagreements about the dog are creating conflict or holding up negotiations about parenting or property.

• One or both parties want to establish clear arrangements for their dog’s future.

Importantly, mediation isn’t necessarily about achieving a 50/50 shared-care arrangement. Sometimes the most appropriate outcome is for the dog to live with one person, with agreed visits or other arrangements for the other.

The focus is on helping the parties consider their dog’s individual needs and reach an arrangement that is practical, workable and sustainable. Get this resolved so you can get on with resolving the parenting and property issues for your client.

How does the mediation process work?

The process is designed to be straightforward and independent of the parties’ legal representatives. That’s right - you don’t need to attend! I’m aware that I am a pet lover but many lawyers could not think of anything worse than a 2 hour mediation based solely on their client’s dog.

1. Separate registration and payment

Each person registers and pays for the mediation independently. Neither party needs to engage or pay on behalf of the other.

2. Individual intake sessions

I meet separately with each person to understand their circumstances, concerns and priorities, and to gather information about their dog and its needs.

3. Joint online mediation

I facilitate an online mediation session of up to two hours, helping the parties explore options, work through areas of disagreement and reach their own arrangements wherever possible.

4. Written agreement

The arrangements reached can be recorded in writing (if time permits during the session) so both parties have a clear understanding of what they’ve agreed. Your client will provide you with a copy of same.

What the agreement can cover

Each agreement is tailored to the dog and the parties’ circumstances. Depending on what’s needed, it can cover:

• Where the dog will live

• If care is shared, a schedule built around longer blocks of time

• How handovers will work, including using a dog walker or daycare if contact between the parties is difficult

• How food, grooming, vet bills and other costs are shared, such as a joint dog account or pet insurance

• Who makes vet decisions, and notifying each other in an emergency

• First right of refusal if one party can no longer care for the dog

• What happens if either party relocates, changes jobs or re-partners

• Visits, if agreed: frequency, duration and notice

• Planning for the dog’s older years and end of life

The process is conducted online, making it accessible to separating couples internationally, regardless of where either person lives.

Why refer to me?

I’m an internationally trained Pet Custody Mediator and an Australian family lawyer with almost 25 years of experience working with separating families. I owned my own family law firm for 13 years.

Throughout my legal career, I’ve worked with people navigating complex, emotionally charged family law disputes, including as an Independent Children’s Lawyer, and I’ve participated in thousands of family law mediations.

I understand the dynamics of separation, the way conflict can escalate and the importance of finding practical solutions that allow people to move forward.

My approach to dog custody mediation draws on that experience, with a particular focus on helping people look beyond their own competing positions and consider what will work best for their dog.

I provide an independent service. I’m not engaged by either party’s lawyer to represent their client’s interests, and I don’t make decisions about who should keep the dog. My role is to facilitate a conversation and help the parties reach their own agreement.

An independent process. No additional work for you.

Referring a client does not require you to become involved in the mediation process.

You don’t need to attend sessions, negotiate arrangements or manage the practicalities. Each party engages and pays independently, and I manage the mediation process directly with them.

Once the issue has been addressed, your client can return their attention to the broader matters arising from their separation.

Referring a client

If you have a client whose dog custody arrangements remain unresolved, I’d be happy to discuss whether mediation may be appropriate.

You can direct your client to the Pet Custody Mediation website to find out more and register their interest.

Help your clients resolve the dog dispute, so they can focus on moving forward.

For professional enquiries or to discuss a potential referral, you can contact me by email or via LinkedIn.