Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith Divorce: Actress Wants Custody Of The Dogs

Melanie Griffith is determined to get custody of the dogs she shared with Antonio Banderas. The actress surprised the world when she filed for divorce on June 6, after 18 years of marriage with the Spanish actor, citing irreconcilable differences. At the time, a spokesperson for the couple released a statement on behalf of the couple saying, “We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost twenty years marriage in a loving and friendly manner honoring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together.”

In the divorce documents, filed by Griffith’s attorney Laura Wasser, the actress asks for child support and sole physical and joint legal custody of the couple’s daughter, Stella. However, that won’t be much of an issue since Stella will turn 18 in September. Instead, Melanie is now angling for custody of the couple’s terrier mix, Elliot, and two German shepherd/ Labrador mixes called Arlo and Mickey Finn. According to Mail Online, the latter two, who are siblings, were adopted by the former couple from their favorite animal rescue, Ace of Hearts, shortly after two of their dogs passed away in February 2013.

Both Melanie, 56, and Antonio, 53 “fell in love” with the dogs when they met them and took them into their family right away. According to TMZ, their sources claim Melanie is the better dog owner between her and Antonio, and their furry family mean the world to her. So far it seems that the divorce is amicable, although the former couple will encounter some issues when it comes to dividing property, since they have a lot of real estate both in the US and Spain.