Ex Girlfriend Got a Puppy As a Gift for Me. I Want the Dog After the Split

[Jr Stanley]

My question involves a relationship in the state of: Missouri

My ex purchased a dog from a local pet store for $2000, and at the time, we had a verbal agreement that I'd give her half of that amount to pay for the dog. A few weeks ago, I found out she was cheating on me. We agreed that the dog was mine if we split up. I've given her $750 for the dog, and agreed to give her an additional $500 for sole-ownership, leaving her with with the remainder of the bill. The problem is: the paperwork for the dog is in her name. She's now wanting me to pay a total of 750 instead of 500 after which she said she would give me sole ownership of the dog. the dog is in my care at the moment, but she is threatening to have the dog taken from me if i don't pay her 750 instead of 500. Additionally, I made the mistake of not having her give or show me reciepts, and she didn't apply the previous 750 that i'd given her towards the dog. So, i'm not 100% sure of what's been paid for the dog, or how much is still owed. I also have the paperwork for the dog with me... even though it has her signature on the paperwork.

Can she take my dog from me? Do i have to give her the additional 250 even though it's not what was originally agreed upon?

[jk]

So, i'm not 100% sure of what's been paid for the dog, or how much is still owed.

that is the basis for your problem. You can bet she will say in court you have not paid the entire agreed upon fee.

If you can swing it, giving her the $250 would be the easiest way out of this. If you are insistent on not paying the $250, risk going to court and letting the judge decide.

Personally, if I were her I would simply state you pay a total of $2k for the dog (since that is what she paid for the dog and is actually fair) or she keeps the dog. You would be due your payments back if that is what happened though. As it is, you are getting a $2k dog for $1250. She loses $750 in the deal. Pretty giving of her, in my opinion.

While you could argue the dog was a gift, your continued negotiations to purchase the dog dispute that claim.

What you should have done is give her the $1k and argue the rest was a gift since that is what the original deal was. Gifts are not revocable at will.