Ask the Experts

Karis Nafte

Navigating Pet Custody, During and After Divorce

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Divorce is never easy, but when you add the complexity of a beloved dog or cat into the equation, things can become even more difficult and emotional for everyone involved. This article aims to provide some guidelines for divorce professionals to help their clients address the issue of “who keeps the dog?” (or cat!) in a way that minimizes the conflict surrounding the pets in the short term and long term with realistic expectations for the feasibly of the plan and well-being of the animals concerned.

President's Message

Hon. Dolores A. Bomrad (Ret.), AFCC President

October 2025 President's Message

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As many of us welcome the crisp autumn air and vibrant colors of October, I find myself reflecting on past accomplishments and looking forward to the opportunities ahead.

I’m excited to share that AFCC membership has reached a post-COVID high. At a time when many organizations face diminishing membership, this growth reflects how often non-members join us for an event or training, see the value firsthand, and choose to make AFCC their professional home. It also speaks to the remarkable dedication of our chapters, whose leadership continues to expand the reach and relevance of our mission and vision. My heartfelt thanks to our chapter leaders and members who foster connection and professional growth in their communities. Each chapter is, and each of us as individuals are, part of this interdisciplinary organization whose vision is “A justice system in which all professionals work collaboratively through education, support, and access to services to achieve the best possible outcome for children and families.”