Forget prenups, couples are now signing PETNUPS to ensure they can keep their pet in case of a split

FROM battling over your everyday pots and pans to dividing your bookshelves into two depressing piles, the separating of shared possessions is one of the most heartbreaking aspects of splitting up with a partner.

But what happens when you own a pet with an ex? Well according to one law firm, more and more people are signing PETNUPS before adopting an animal together.

claims that one quarter of pet owners have plans in place as to what happens with their pet in the event of a breakup.

Meanwhile, one in 20 people actually have a written "pet-nup" which states who will get to keep their shared animal if they ever split.

And based on the raging arguments you can have based on who bought what cutlery, we don't want to imagine fighting for custody of a beloved furry friend.

One woman who is seriously regretting not signing a "petnup" is London-based dog owner Hannah.

Despite always agreeing that she would have primary custody of her shared dog Basil, the 33-year-old woman is now battling with her ex who wants a 50/50 split.

She said: "I'm worried because he works long hours and wouldn't be around to look after him properly.

"It's important to me that our dog is happy and safe and I'm not sure [this arrangement] would give him this."

As well as trying to get over her ex, Hannah says it's been even more challenging coming to terms with the fact that she technically doesn't have "any more rights over my ex in terms of who gets to keep [Basil]."

Urging couples to consider deciding who is the primary caregiver before adopting, managing director of Maguire Family Law said: "Obviously, the emotional attachment to pets can be huge, which is why we see so much upset over who gets to keep them when a couple breaks up.

"People may find that if they draw up a petnup, there may be issues around its enforceability if there's a dispute.

"But we find if a couple agrees matters up front, they usually stick to this."

In more bonkers relationship news, men have revealed the 10 mistakes women make in the bedroom - including failing to make the first move and wanting to do it in the dark.

And this bride-to-be has been left raging after finding out her boyfriend proposed with a customised ring he made for his ex.

Plus this "stingy" fiance has been slammed online for refusing to "shell out thousands" on a real diamond ring