Get Yourself a Well-Written Separation Agreement
When you are going through a divorce, it is completely normal to want to get through it as quickly as possible. You find yourself dreaming about walking out of the courthouse having to never see the judge or your ex (and often, both) ever again. Let’s be honest, the process is usually draining, both on your wallet and your emotional well-being. The reality, however, is that for most people (especially those who have children), not seeing your ex will not be an option for some time. You will be seeing each other for school events, soccer practices, and birthday parties. What makes the biggest difference is having clarity with each other for years to come. The only way to achieve this is by having a well-written separation agreement: detailed and easily understandable.
A separation agreement is a misnomer, as it is about divorce, not just separation. It is a contract between you and your ex about all of the details of your rights and obligations to each other, and your children, during the divorce and after the divorce.
1. Your agreement needs to be detailed, tailored to reflect the very specifics of your life. People often seek a fill-in separation agreement form to save time and money. However, without the needed details, you will likely end up coming to see that judge very soon again. What you might save on now, by not taking the time to ensure it is discussed with the other side and spelled out, you will pay by having to come back to court in an attempt to resolve a disagreement about what is included in ordinary medical expenses or whether you were obligated to discuss signing up your kids for the summer camp before they cover 50% of the bill.
2. Your agreement needs to be your friend – easily understandable whenever you need it. This means that you should be able to read through and have a good handle on what it means without having to hire a lawyer. It is a contract for you and about you, so you need to be in the loop.
If you need help with your separation agreement, contact Attorney Yuliya Fisher-Nayyer today!