When it comes to acrimonious splits it is apparently the pets who cause the most heartache, with an increasing number of people choosing ownership of their pets rather than their house.

According to research carried out by Norwich Union, 70 per cent of the people surveyed would rather have custody of the pets than ownership of the house.

Out of the 2,000 plus adults questioned, dogs were the most valued possession, and nearly double the number of people would fight for the cat than for a car.

Carrie Evans, a pet behavioural expert, said: "A household pet can function as a third person in a relationship, a role which enables them to manipulate the behaviour of both parties and disrupt the balance."

With the number of divorces on the rise in the UK, Norwich Union recommends a 'pet nuptial agreement', and insurance to cover any problems the pets may have, in order to ease the financial and emotional strain in the event of a split.