Q: How does equity law with dogs work in Texas and how can someone prove it to get ownership of dogs in a civil suite?
My ex girlfriend is suing me for my dogs. 1 I got from my boss when she was living in another state. The other I purchased from a friend for $200. I’ve paid 65-90% of the bills for them. She did put her name on the vet bills eventually and would watch the dogs when I was out of town for work. She is claiming equity and that the dogs were gifted 50/50 but she never met either previous owners. How does equity law work and could a judge rule in her favor to even keep one of the dogs?
A:
The judge will look at the evidence and decide who they think is most credible. If the dogs have been together, it's unlikely that they'd be separated, especially if the evidence of who has been caring for them is the same.
You probably have records of what you've paid, which is helpful, and you could bring some one with knowledge of the gift to support your testimony that the dogs are yours. You'll probably want to present testimony of where they've lived, and who feeds them and looks after them, in addition to just paying the bills.
Unfortunately, filing this suit, as well as hiring a lawyer by either of you, is likely to cost more than the dogs are really worth. If you think she will take good care of them, I'd consider letter her have them.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
