Many divorces can be resolved without having to fight in Court. By choosing, alternative dispute resolutions, you can negotiate settlement agreements and get an expedited divorce.
What is a Marital Settlement Agreement?
A Marital Settlement Agreement, also known as a Separation Agreement, is when two spouses agree on all of the issues relating to your divorce. These issues include child custody, child support, alimony, division of property, debts, and other financial issues. The spouses and their respective attorneys work together to create a legal document that outlines all the resolutions. If, and when, a settlement is reached, the divorce can then be finalized without contested litigation.
What are the benefits of a Marital Settlement Agreement?
Marital Settlement Agreements have several benefits, which is why many couples prefer them over going to court. Here are just some of the advantages:
- You can finalize your divorce without a judge having to resolve the dispute.
- You can save time AND money by avoiding a lengthy court battle.
- You can bypass the sometimes legally required one-year physical separation.
- You can settle your marriage resolutions in privacy.
- You and your spouse decide on the resolutions together, with the advice of your attorneys.
How do I know if a Marital Settlement Agreement is right for me?
The most important piece to a Marital Settlement Agreement is that you and your spouse need to agree on the terms. Therefore, we recommend this option for spouses that are motivated to resolve the issues and are willing to make compromises.
If you and your spouse need assistance, you can engage the services of a mediator. Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process. The mediator facilitates a discussion to help the parties reach a solution that meets their needs. If an agreement is reached, that agreement will be reduced to writing. If no agreement is reached, then the mediator and the parties cannot testify as to what was said during mediation.