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Children and finances are widely regarded as the most common causes of an acrimonious divorce but research conducted by the Co-operative has revealed a new cause of significant dispute during such proceedings: the family pet. The study revealed that a significant number of cases involving animals are prompting contested divorces, with 20 per cent of all cases involving pets resulting in court hearings concerning custody of their pets. Another 10 per cent of couples have enlisted professional mediation in order to determine who their four-legged companions should live with. Lee Mooney, head of pet insurance at the Co-operative, stated that custody of a family pet is now one of the main factors behind upset and conflict when married couples choose to divorce. Mooney also noted that the survey revealed how highly people regard their pets. Money also added that couples may soon prepare prenuptial agreements before purchasing a pet in order to avoid arguments in the event of a separation. The Co-operative’s research further supports a study undertaken by financial consultancy, Grant Thornton, in 2007 which highlighted the growing number of legal battles concerning the custody of pets, a spokesperson for the consultancy saying: “While many have never heard of custody battles over pets, or may ridicule those who fight over them, in many cases the pet is considered to be part of the family.” In UK law, pets are viewed as personal possessions that are to be divided between separating couples. The U.S. has long recognised how commonplace battles over family pets are during divorce proceedings, however, and over 90 universities currently offer their students courses which address the issue of pet custody. Previous high profile cases have seen actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Kirsten Dunst battle over custody of their German shepherd Atticus. Similarly, Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore fought for custody of Labrador, Flossie, when divorcing her comedian husband Tom Green. The Co-operatives findings also revealed that pets can be immensely beneficial to separating couples with half of the 20 per cent of couples who got back together having stated that their decision to resume their relationship came about as a result of their pet. Some couples also claimed that their pet becoming ill or even dying forced them to discuss matters with one another, resulting in them resolving their differences and resurrecting their relationship.