Ashley and Cheryl Cole’s Chihuahuas

Hylton Potts says….

‘I decline to give detailed comment on speculation that I am advising either Ashley Cole or Cheryl Cole, or indeed not both of them, which would not be proper.

What I can say is pet custody battles can be bloody.

Their Chihuahuas Buster and Coco could be subject to a battle, as bitter as for those of the £22,000,000 of assets.

Couples must understand that a pet may seem like a family member. To a court it is just another possession to be divided at divorce.

Be aware that if the animal was yours before the marriage or if you have been the primary carer of the animal during the marriage, you are more likely to be awarded possession.

Tell your lawyer how important your pet is to you, and make sure he or she treats this as a priority.

If you have children, it makes the most sense for the pet to live where the children will live, since they have probably formed an attachment.

Talk to your spouse about the pet and see if you can work something out. You might be able to make a mutually acceptable visitation arrangement.

Avoid separating pets if you have two or more of the same species, as in the Cole case. This could cause depression or anxiety for the dogs.

Show that you are the person best able to care for the animal – you have the time to play with it, exercise it and groom it. If necessary, have your vet testify about your ability to care for the animal.’

Further information Rodney Hylton-Potts 020 7381 8111 or [email protected]

Hylton-Potts Legal Consultants  – Divorce Lawyers in London