Q: Wife, soon ex, won't release Service Dog to me.
Beginning divorce where I was effectively locked out of house while out. While getting necessities I was refused my Service Dog, when I asked Police assistance, wife claimed he was working for everyone in house. Even though 1 dog working for multiple people is not how it's done, police see it as a communal asset and a judge ruling is needed for me to take possession of him and his gear. What is proper filing for this? I got papers for small claims. training, Dog, gear, should all meet the requirements. Need to make sure I'm filing for correct hearing.
A: In your divorce proceeding, have your lawyer request exclusive temporary use and possession of your service animal. Be prepared to show the specific specialized training your service animal received for your particular disability, and correspondingly that your spouse does not share that disability so the specific specialized training your animal received will not serve any purpose for her. This may require the testimony of the healthcare provider who treats you for your disability and of the trainer who trained your service animal.
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