Although Maryland recognizes marriage and divorce, there is no legal separation; couples deciding to live apart before divorcing should consider entering into a separation agreement. This contract, authorized by both parties, is a precursor to issues the court will address during divorce proceedings, including child custody and visitation, child support, alimony, property division, and insurance obligations.
When a divorcing couple adopts this valuable document, it ensures a smoother transition and legal protection for what currently looks like an uncertain future. An Owings Mills separation agreements lawyer gathers pertinent information to create a secure post-divorce plan. Call Nguyen Roche Sutton today to speak with an experienced marital agreements attorney.
A separation agreement is a legally binding contract. The divorcing spouses must mutually agree to the terms after discussing them with their lawyers and negotiating them in a fair environment.
All contracts contain consideration, something of value the parties relinquish to receive something else of value. Consideration makes contracts enforceable. The major benefits of separation agreements include the following:
Other advantages include the ability to revoke the separation agreement if spouses reunite. However, this action is not required. Leaving a contractual agreement in place helps both spouses understand what is expected of them and may strengthen the relationship. An Owings Mills separation agreements attorney considers all aspects of how this contract best assists clients with future relationship goals.
Working with a family law attorney will uncover topics unique to a separating couple’s situation, but these agreements always address financial matters and issues concerning minor children.
If a marital home is involved, a separation agreement can specify who will live in it, how shared bank and investment accounts will be treated, and the disposition of other assets, such as furniture, automobiles, second homes, and recreational vehicles. Spousal support can be detailed, including how much one spouse might provide to the other and for how long.
Whoever is granted physical custody of the children opens the dialog for child support and visitation for the non-custodial parent. Maryland has empowered judges to use a mandatory formula, the Child Support Guidelines, to calculate child support since 1990. A judge can reject a proposed amount in a separation agreement that falls below that standard. To protect family interests, consult with a separation agreements lawyer in Owings Mills today.
Separation agreements also contain custom clauses that can allocate property acquired after the separation date as separate property of each spouse. Dispute resolution can also be set out, so mediation, arbitration, or another manner of resolution can be described if a disagreement arises.
If one spouse carries the other’s health insurance or life insurance policies and is in place with each other as beneficiaries, these issues can be resolved with help from a legal professional’s insight.
The legal team at Nguyen Roche Sutton has more than 30 years of experience helping families successfully navigate the troubled landscape divorce imposes on them. The decisions separating spouses make are crucial to their family’s future.
How children are cared for, how bills are shared, and what becomes of all that has been acquired are all stressors during this emotionally raw time. Protect your interests and reduce contentious battles by choosing the right attorney for guidance. An Owings Mills separation agreements lawyer provides the steady advocacy you need. Call now for an initial consultation.
