Cal. Codes » Family Code / DIVISION 7. DIVISION OF PROPERTY / PART 4. SPECIAL RULES FOR DIVISION OF COMMUNITY ESTATE
California Codes

Cal. Family Code § 2605 (2026)

Special Rules For Division Of Community Estate

✓ leginfo export of Sept. 26, 2026 (applied Oct. 1, 2026)
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(a)The court, at the request of a party to proceedings for dissolution of marriage or for legal separation of the parties, may enter an order, prior to the final determination of ownership of a pet animal, to require a party to care for the pet animal. The existence of an order providing for the care of a pet animal during the course of proceedings for dissolution of marriage or for legal separation of the parties shall not have any impact on the court’s final determination of ownership of the pet animal.

(b)Notwithstanding any other law, including, but not limited to, Section 2550, the court, at the request of a party to proceedings for dissolution of marriage or for legal separation of the parties, may assign sole or joint ownership of a pet animal taking into consideration the care of the pet animal.

(c)For purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply:

(1)“Care” includes, but is not limited to, the prevention of acts of harm or cruelty, as described in Section 597 of the Penal Code, and the provision of food, water, veterinary care, and safe and protected shelter.

(2)“Pet animal” means any animal that is community property and kept as a household pet.

Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases (4 in the last 5 years), 2021–2026 · leading case: In re Dom. P'ship of Campos & Nunoz, No. D085584 (Cal. Ct. App. Mar. 5, 2026).
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In re Dom. P'ship of Campos & Nunoz, No. D085584 (Cal. Ct. App. Mar. 5, 2026). · cites it 2× “Counsel for Torres filed a request for order (RFO) for shared custody and visitation of the dog under Family Code section 2605, along with a supporting declaration.”
Dom. P'ship of Campos & Munoz, 118 Cal. App. 5th 1112 (Cal. Ct. App. 2026). · cites it 2× “Counsel for Torres filed a request for order (RFO) for shared custody and visitation of the dog under Family Code section 2605, along with a supporting declaration.”
Douglas Niemi, V. Mariah Niemi, No. 82549-6 (Wash. Ct. App. Oct. 4, 2021). “160(a)(5) (2017); CAL. FAM. CODE § 2605(b) (Deering 2019); 750 ILL.”
Marriage of Broady, No. D083961 (Cal. Ct. App. July 23, 2025). “) Additionally, Family Code section 2605, subdivision (b), allows the court to assign joint or sole ownership of a pet, taking into consideration the care of the pet.”
Cal. Family Code § 2605(b): 1 case
Douglas Niemi, V. Mariah Niemi, No. 82549-6 (Wash. Ct. App. Oct. 4, 2021). “160(a)(5) (2017); CAL. FAM. CODE § 2605(b) (Deering 2019); 750 ILL.”
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