Is joint ownership of our pets a legal document?

[sylviachan 1]

Hi, I am in the process of gathering my supporting documents for Form I-751, removal of conditional spouse. We do not have kids but we have two beautiful cats adopted through SPCA. I wonder if the adoption documents can serve as legal evidence to prove our bonafide marriage? 

[yuna628 9,680]

Well, I can't say that it certainly won't hurt. We did send something along similar when we adopted our dog. Of course if you've paid with a check they could certainly see that adoption fee coming out of a joint account (if you have one) if you're providing them with statements.

[Crazy Cat 41,981]

I think it could be used to show you both at the same address......I don't see any other significance.......just my opinion.

[Boiler 45,670]

What does it have to do with a bonafide marriage?

[Cryssiekins 976]

If you’re supplying it in addition to other, stronger evidence (taxes, banking, assets, leases/mortgages, etc), then sure.  

[Daphne . 1,888]

Personally, I think this will not be considered as any proof and I would not add it. I think it would be looked at as very weak proof anyway. It might even look far fetched if you have little other proof. I assume you will have good proof so you would not even need it.

If I were you I would stick to the more ‘common’ proof of a bonafide marriage.

 

 

[geowrian 22,337]

Couldn't hurt, but I don't see it helping either.

[debbiedoo 2,339]

as someone who is way more into animals than kids .... i dont really see this helping lol

 

it wouldnt HURT but it also does not add 'legitimate' value.

 

what you need are id's at the same address, being on shared banking accounts, being the beneficiaries for each other on accounts or insurance policies, wills, power of attorney, shared utilities, etc

[milimelo 4,503]

I actually sent our vet invoices for our cats as it listed both of us as owners, among other things we sent (taxes, insurance, wills, lease, bank info, and similar). 

[kline19 102]

I did send my pets' vet invoices as well.

 

I saw this piece as an effort to fill the larger picture of a joint living in marriage in the IO's mind where this type of information is not at all critical evidence but I think it creates some nice vibe after you have already presented all the financial, legal and other hard evidences in your packet. 

[Scandi 4,170]

I sent our dog adoption contract that shows both our names and address and also a photo of both of us and the dog that was taken at the rescue by their staff. I also added a screenshot from the rescue's Facebook page where they had posted the picture of us and had added a little caption to it. I sent in several vet bills too that show both our names and address.

 

If people send in affidavits that can be very much fake, then you can absolutely send in an adoption contract from SPCA showing both your names. Go for it. 

[janet3 1,170]

With all due respect to those who say “eh, not proof of relationship”. The paperwork is filed by the city, bills and receipts are recorded....not to mention bills and upkeep paperwork are on file with the city and veterinarians office.....how is that less “proof” than, say, a water bill?

[Boiler 45,670]

Obviously proves relationship, with the Dog.

[janet3 1,170]

Yes. I understand. But if notifications are in both peoples names.....how is it different? If the bill is in both names how does it differ from any other contract? 

 

And it’s two cats.....

[Scandi 4,170]

It's no different than doing other things together as a couple. Most people send pics of themselves on vacation together, surely adoption papers aren't worth less than such pics.