Ex wife don't like my hobby of ball pythons

[bradthebanker]

Im wanting to know if there is a way my ex wife could take me to court and take custody of my son away for owning snakes or make me get rid of them.

[BleedingOrange36]

As long as they are legal, properly and safely housed in locking enclosures, and you don't neglect parental duties I don't see them being a problem. Don't allow them to find anything wrong and you should be fine. Does your son enjoy them? You could say how you and your son use them as a bonding/educational tool.
As long as you don't add fuel to the fire.... It won't burn.

[bradthebanker]

Yes i have 2 juveniles in a 36x18x18 terrarium and a adult in a 55 gallon and in the making of a 10 tub rack system

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[Don]

You never know what could happen in a court during a divorce. I would talk to your lawyer. Have him or her fully prepared to answer any challenges to your keeping ball pythons in the custody hearings.

[OctagonGecko729]

It'd be best to get a lawyer to ask these questions to, theres too many weird laws out there for folks on here to give you a answer with 100% certainty. A local lawyer can get you information about local laws, federal laws, and past court decisions that revolved around animals being in the situation.

[bradthebanker]

Thats what I'll do and I'll post the results on here on tn law

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[Lana's_mom]

I went through this exact same problem during my divorce. I had a ball python and 2 Rosy Boa's when I was with my ex, but he decided that we needed to sell them and so after we seperated I got back into the Ball Pythons and Rosy Boa's. I don't think he knows about it, nor do I care if he does, but I did have a long talk with my Lawyer about it. Since none of my snake were large snakes like Burms or Retics, and they were housed safely, and care is taken to prevent an escape he did not see any issue with it. I was ready to provide proof of the enclosures and racks I had, and how I did things. My lawyer said to not flaunt the snakes to make it an issue, but legally I should be fine. I live in Texas, and my divorce was finalized at the begining of the year with no problems. The snakes were not even brought up in court. I still don't think he knows about them, but if he does I have proof of how they are keeped and cared for ready for if he wants to take me back to court over it. Talk to a lawyer and have things ready to prove that you are responsible and go from there. I am sure the state you live in will play a big part in it all, but talk to a lawyer and get all your information correct.

[wolfy-hound]

Talk to a lawyer, but realize that a judge can do pretty much whatever they want. You can challenge it but in the meantime, the kids are gone.

It should not be legal to take away kids because of harmless reptile pets. BPs are no more dangerous than geckos or hamsters. But in this day and age, stupid stuff happens.

Don't flaunt it, don't inflame the issue and make it a "non-issue" when talking to the ex or a lawyer other than yours.

[OctagonGecko729]

I know for sure of a case where some neighbor called CPS on some parents who owned venemous, they took the kids away, the parents had to sell the animals to get their kids back.

[Michelle1221]

I also agree be upfront with your lawyer and document how you care for them and how they are housed.
i have seen a few divorces go totally nasty and they have brought up anything and everything to give the other spouse headaches and more time in court.