Being forced to get rid of most of the snakes

This year has been a terrible year for me. First my dogs died, then a few of the leos got Crypto, and now we've been court ordered to get rid of all but three of the snakes. My mom sued my dad for child support and custody, and brought the animals into the fight. I really love reptiles, and I consider them my passion, and my dad has supported me the whole way, while my mom has been nothing but condecending about my hobby. All of the animals are in great health and the only problems have been ones that were unavoidable. I've decided to keep Steve, Lily, Plum, Papaya, Scorcho, Uno, and the bumblebee.

Why are you being forced to get rid of them through court order? Their monetary value? Does she plan to sell them?

I think he being forced to sell them cause if op mother gets custody the op wont be ableto have any reptile.
the father supports the hobby the mother against it.

All of the reptiles are at my dad's apartment which is the place that I'm at most of the time. My mom has zero contact with them. We aren't going to have the written order for about a week but my dad said that the judge said to get rid of them at our own pace.

The snakes are essentially your property (an unfortunate fact of keeping animals). How can a judge order you to get rid of property as part of a custody agreement? That doesn't strike me as being in line with the law.

Something isnt adding up here...

Once you hit a certain age, not really sure how old exactly, you can be the one to decide who you live with. Just tell the judge you dont wanna live with your mom bc she doesnt support you and your hobbies.

It really doesn't make sense to me, my dad, or my sister either. I'm 15, and I'm also being forced to go to therapy and join the ymca or similar program, or my dad will have to go to jail and pay a fine. No one under 18 was allowed in the court room.

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Something isnt adding up here...

Once you hit a certain age, not really sure how old exactly, you can be the one to decide who you live with.

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Unless one is found by the court to be unfit. Sounds like a touchy subject, sucks you may have to give up your animals I feel for ya.

I was also court ordered to go to therapy after divorce as well, but you should under no reason be forced to give up private property. That is completely wrong and there is nothing I know of that allows them to make that call.

My sisters friend kept her dog at my house for years. Is there a friend in your life that could do that. Also could the snakes be classified as therapy animals??? They are quiet and calming. Well at least for me they are. Sorry you are caught in between like this.

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Originally Posted by jeanus

My sisters friend kept her dog at my house for years. Is there a friend in your life that could do that. Also could the snakes be classified as therapy animals??? They are quiet and calming. Well at least for me they are. Sorry you are caught in between like this.

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You can license any animal as a therapy animal!

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Something isnt adding up here...

Once you hit a certain age, not really sure how old exactly, you can be the one to decide who you live with. Just tell the judge you dont wanna live with your mom bc she doesnt support you and your hobbies.

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This isn't entirely accurate. In most states, at the age of 12 the child's wishes are asked for and considered. It is never entirely up to them until they are 18.

So it's not legal for a judge to order someone to get rid of their pets?

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So it's not legal for a judge to order someone to get rid of their pets?

It's hard to see the big picture of what's going on here, or to say one way or the other in what may or may not be permissible by a judge. To me it sounds like the parents are just trying to use the judge as an excuse to get the snakes gone since the keeper of said animals was the OP and the OP's mother does not seem to want them in her home. Do I think a judge can say get rid of your snakes? Yes, a Judge can say just about anything. Can he say that under these exact circumstances? I do not see how given the information we have. Again though, I think a lot more is going on here, and I feel for the OP, I've been forced by parents to give up certain pets at a younger age when their support of the hobby was questionable at best. Hang in there, and talk to your mom about the matters and see if she will reason with you and let you know what exactly is going on.

And as was said, 12 is the consenting age for consideration for where a child goes. 18 is the legal age where the childs thoughts have to be followed in most states. So 15 shoudl get you a say in the matter, if and only if, the courts have not deemed your father unfit for raising a child. . . whole different ball game there.

My dad supports my hobby fully, and my parents live in separate places, with all of the reptiles being at my dad's.

I would never advocate breaking the law, but have in home visits been mandated? Who's going to ensure that the snakes are gone?

I would talk to your fathers lawyer directly and express the fact that they are YOUR property. Your father just alloes you the opportunity. Unless of course this is based on the fact that your father allows you, I dont see a court being able not be overturned on such a ruling.

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This is an odd situation, I don't see how / what law he could manipulate to make your father make you get rid of your reptiles. Especially "at your own pace". Usually, with a court, it's "By this date". Not at your own pace. Even if they're being lenient, they will still put down a date, 1 year from now etc.

If you guys have a decent lawyer, I would definitely talk to them and get more info about how the judge is ruling for you to get rid of your animals. I would also ask to see the in print court ruling where it states "Get rid of the reptiles at your own pace". I would want to know what his EXACT words are, if it is in the case file, or if it was just a "you might want to think about getting rid of those" comment style.

Article the seventh [Amendment V]

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

This could very well be a case of the judge telling your dad the snakes might look bad in the courts eyes, and that he might want to get rid of them before your mom tries to say its a danger. In that situation, your dad might be doing or saying this not because he doesnt approve, but because he fears for losing you, and doesnt want to give your mom ammunition.

Courts don't like to award sole custody to the father. Especially (which I don't know your gender, so please dont be offended) if the child is a daughter.