When people think of divorce, they usually imagine the splitting of homes, bank accounts, and custody of children. But family law attorneys know there’s another layer entirely—one filled with surprising disputes over things most wouldn’t expect to end up on a courtroom docket.
From prized pets to rare collectibles, and even digital assets like social media accounts, divorce proceedings can quickly become a battleground for emotionally (and financially) valuable items that don’t fit neatly into traditional categories. Let’s explore some of the more unusual things that have come up in divorce cases—and how courts are handling them.
1. The "Custody" Battle Over Pets
Ask any pet owner and they'll tell you: their furry companion is more than property—they’re family. Yet in many jurisdictions, pets are still considered personal property, much like a couch or a car. That can lead to contentious disputes.
Imagine a divorcing couple fought for months over custody of their beloved dog. After rounds of litigation, the judge decides on a shared custody agreement—something typically reserved for children. Increasingly, courts are taking into account the best interests of the pet and the emotional attachment involved, even if the law hasn’t fully caught up.
Practical Tip: If you and your spouse share a pet, consider creating a "pet custody" plan before filing for divorce. You can negotiate visitation, vet expenses, and even travel arrangements—just like you would for a child.
2. Collectibles, Memorabilia, and… Star Wars?
You’d be surprised how many divorce disputes revolve around collectible items. From comic books and vintage guitars to sports memorabilia and entire wine cellars, couples have battled over the value, ownership, and division of collections.
Imagine a scenario: one spouse spent years amassing a massive memorabilia collection worth thousands of dollars—only to have it become a major point of contention during the divorce. Since the collection grew during the marriage, it can be deemed marital property and may be appraised and divided like any other asset.
Practical Tip: Keep detailed records of how and when you acquired valuable items. If something was purchased before marriage or gifted solely to you, it may not be considered marital property.
3. Digital Assets and Social Media Accounts
Who owns the family Instagram account or the couple’s shared YouTube channel? In the digital age, divorces are increasingly involving intangible—but highly valuable—assets.
Influencer couples have found themselves arguing over account access, brand deals, and even the content itself. For instance, if a couple jointly manages a YouTube channel with over 500,000 subscribers, the income generated from the channel can become a central issue in property division.
Even personal social media accounts can come into play—especially when one party has built a monetized following.
Practical Tip: If you have any monetized or business-related social media accounts, treat them like business assets. Work with a financial expert to evaluate their worth and how future income should be handled.
4. Frozen Embryos and Future Parenthood
Though rare, disputes over frozen embryos have made their way into courtrooms—and they pose some of the most emotionally and ethically complex challenges in family law.
In some cases, one spouse wants to use the embryos to have children, while the other does not. Courts have taken various approaches, often leaning toward protecting a person’s right not to procreate. But these decisions are far from uniform and heavily depend on existing agreements and jurisdictional law.
Practical Tip: If you’ve undergone fertility treatments, review your clinic’s consent agreements carefully. These documents can carry significant legal weight in future disputes.
So, How Can You Prepare for the Unexpected?
Divorce doesn’t just divide the tangible assets—it often pulls at the sentimental and symbolic threads of a shared life. If there’s something that holds unique value to you, even if it’s not worth much on paper, you should protect it accordingly.
Here’s what you can do:
- Inventory your assets, including sentimental or non-traditional ones.
- Negotiate early—outside of court—if there's something you're especially attached to.
- Consider mediation for emotionally charged issues like pets or family heirlooms.
- Put it in writing—especially for digital assets or shared intellectual property.
From pets to property, and lightsabers to login credentials, the list of things people fight over in divorce is as varied as it is surprising. While courts are slowly adapting to new types of assets and attachments, the best approach is proactive planning and creative problem-solving.
Have a question about something unusual you're worried might become an issue in divorce? Our experienced family law team has seen it all—and we’re here to help you protect what matters most. Call us at (720) 445-4444 or email us at info@johnsonlgroup.com.
