Divorce Settlement Agreements

Find the Divorce Settlement Agreement That’s Best for You

Divorce proceedings are stressful for everyone. The high court costs and emotional stress that result from the rulings can make it hard to sleep at night. If you’re preparing for a divorce, it’s worthwhile to consider other options before going to court.

That’s why many couples seek marital settlement agreements to determine each individual’s rights pertaining to divisions of property, assets, and debt, as well as issues concerning child custody and spousal support (alimony). These agreements can help you simplify the divorce process by answering crucial questions in advance.

However, a good marital settlement agreement requires expert legal counsel. At the Law Offices of Diane J.N. Morin, Inc., we are prepared to help you draft a settlement agreement that fits your specific needs. Learn more about how we can assist you by calling 650-473-0822 or connecting with our firm online.

What Is a Divorce Settlement Agreement?

A divorce settlement agreement is a contract between the two divorcing parties that outlines the specifics of their legal separation. These contracts are also known as a marital separation agreement, a property settlement agreement, or a marital settlement agreement.

This contract is drafted through the collaboration and cooperation of you and your spouse, with guidance from your attorney. The goal is to limit uncertainty when it comes to the results of the divorce.

Some advantages of creating an airtight marital settlement include:

  • There is no surprise outcome from divorce proceedings.
  • Court fees are often much lower.
  • Your case likely won’t take as long.

In other words, collaborating to draft a settlement agreement helps you end your marriage faster, reduces costs, and ensures you know what to expect.

What Kinds of Topics Do Divorce Settlements Cover?

Marital settlement agreements are well-constructed legal documents that should outline a wide range of topics so there is as little uncertainty regarding the divorce outcome as possible. Issues that should be covered include:

  • Division of credit, debt, assets, valuables, and household items
  • Spousal support
  • Legal name changes
  • Health care resolution
  • Child custody, support, and visitation

Your particular situation may call for addressing other topics, too. Most parties find that the resolution of these core factors must be fully determined for a judge to deem the agreement fair and thus grant the divorce according to these terms.

That is why working with an experienced divorce attorney is so important when drafting your agreement. You can choose to develop your marital settlement through collaborative processes or mediation. In either case, your lawyer will ensure your contract fully addresses all of these matters and minimize the need to have your divorce decided in court.

Questions About Marital Settlement Agreements?

A good divorce settlement contract is invaluable for resolving your marital dissolution quickly and effectively. At the Law Offices of Diane J.N. Morin, Inc., our Palo Alto divorce attorneys are available to guide you through drafting the contract you need. If creating a marital settlement agreement sounds right for your situation, reach our firm online or call 650-473-0822 to begin the process.