Can I write up my own separation agreement?

It's absolutely possible to draft your own separation agreement. It can be tricky to find the right information online, but you're clever and have some important tools at your disposal.

What is a formal separation agreement?

A SEPARATION AGREEMENT IS: A formal acknowledgement that two spouses have agreed to separate but remain legally married. A document listing the terms of the separation and the responsibilities of each spouse during their time apart.

What's the point of a legal separation?

A legal separation is a popular alternative to a divorce when the parties are unsure of the state of their marriage but want to establish financial boundaries and responsibilities, such as separation of assets, custody of dependents, and child support.

What's the benefit of a legal separation?

Legal separation allows these spouses to retain the benefits of the marriage while living separate lives. It is important to note that since legally separated couples are still technically married, they cannot remarry during this time. A full divorce will be necessary if one spouse wants to remarry.

How much is a separation agreement?

Uncontested Separation Agreement $200 if spousal support to be included; $100 to $1000 extra if you have a complex situation (ie. involving multiple projects, large investment portfolios in multiple locations, inheritances and other exemptions that are mingled with matrimonial property, business interests, etc.).

How long does it take to get a separation agreement?

about 2-3 weeks

Who gets the house in a separation?

If the house is separate property, the owner-spouse will get the house. If the house is community property, there are several ways it can be divided, either by agreement or court order, in the divorce judgment.

Can you negotiate a separation agreement?

The Basics. A severance agreement is a legally enforceable agreement between you and your employer. You can negotiate it up front or upon exit. There is a risk in every severance negotiation that you may end up with what was originally offered, but you will not know until you make a written demand for more severance.

How do you void a separation agreement?

The factors most often alleged in voiding a separation agreement are fraud, duress, and undue influence. To be valid, a separation agreement must be fair and reasonable, and must have been signed without coercion or undue influence, and with full knowledge of each circumstance, condition, and right of the parties.

Can you notarize a separation agreement?

You can each sign in front of separate notaries, but you must find a notary. And a lot of UPS stores and postal stores like that have notaries on staff. That's a way to get it notarized. As long as your document is written, signed, and notarized, then you're going to have a binding separation agreement.