On the books, household pets have no more value than the coffee table or loveseat in your living room.
But recent lawsuits prove that animal companions occupy a much larger space in our hearts. More than ever, lengthy and expensive custody battles for pets are beginning when human relationships end. In courtrooms across the country, trials to decide who gets Sparky or Fido after a divorce resemble child-custody suits.
Details here from CourtTV via CNN.com.