What Is A Separation Agreement?

A Separation Agreement, is the written contract that separating spouses (married or common-law) create that clearly articulates how you will deal with your children, support, your possessions and debts and all your other issues, both now and in the future. Normally you prepare and sign a Separation Agreement before you apply for your uncontested divorce or divorce decree.

Do I Need a Lawyer To Write A Separation Agreement?

You do not need to go to court to create a Separation Agreement nor do you need to hire a lawyer to write it. But your Separation Agreement must be prepared according to the laws in Ontario, child support must be properly calculated according to provincial guidelines and it must be properly signed and witnessed. Wisdom says that your should never sign a Separation Agreement without receiving independent legal advice (ILA) from a family lawyer.

Separation Agreements: Buyer Beware

Your Separation Agreement is likely the most important document you will ever sign. People who do not prepare proper Separation Agreements often end up in court to try and fix their agreement and often spend large amounts of money doing so. You will want to make sure that your Separation Agreement completed properly the first time.