Understanding the Key Elements of a Separation Agreement

Divorce is a painful and emotional experience for most spouses. It is particularly true when a couple does not agree on essential issues like dividing assets and debts or child custody.

A separation agreement can help alleviate some of these concerns by laying out critical details in advance. However, this process can be difficult and expensive. A Tampa divorce lawyer can guide you through the process.

Child Custody

Who stays in the marital residence, which assets and debts each spouse has access to, and who will handle joint financial concerns are all covered in a separation agreement Tampa. Arrangements for child custody, visitation, and spousal support are also included.

Custody arrangements can include joint physical custody, where children live with each parent for about the same time. Typically, this arrangement involves the children spending four nights with one parent and three nights with the other. Still, it can also involve alternating weeks, months, or even more extended periods. When deciding custody, the judge will consider the best arrangement for the children.

In some cases, spouses choose to separate but do not ultimately want to divorce. A separation agreement can still be used to establish a custody arrangement and can be merged into the final divorce decree. A court may also use the same documents to determine spousal and child support payments.

Child Support

Few things create tension faster in a separated relationship than arguments over child custody and parenting time. Similarly, when it comes to the issue of child support, both spouses need to know what to expect from one another as we advance. A legal separation provides the opportunity to draw up an enforceable schedule, set forth specific terms regarding payment amounts and dates, establish any necessary paternity tests, and make any other relevant arrangements.

Although Florida does not recognize legal separations, many terms negotiated as part of this agreement can be converted into a legally binding marital settlement agreement during a divorce. This type of agreement must be reduced to writing, signed by both parties and include a statement that each party has fully disclosed all assets and debts.

Alimony

Alimony is one of the most significant issues in any divorce, and it can be a central sticking point when spouses disagree about what should be paid or received. A separation agreement can be a good way for couples to resolve this issue ahead of time and avoid court proceedings later on.

In the agreement, the parties should specify a specific date of separation, list all assets and debts, indicate who will live in the marital home, establish visitation and custody schedules for any children, and determine spousal support. Both parties need to write and sign the agreement. In addition, if there is any financial information that could be considered private or confidential, it must be disclosed so that the judge will be able to review it closely during any subsequent divorce proceedings.

The agreement must be fair to both parties, as any unfairness can cause a judge to reject it during later divorce proceedings. For this reason, the couple needs to work with experienced Tampa alimony lawyers when creating the agreement.

Property Distribution

The division of assets and property is often a contentious issue in divorce. It can become even more complex when there is a business involved. Each spouse must have a complex business divorce lawyer to help ensure that their interests are protected.

Florida is not a community property state, but instead, it is an equitable distribution state. It means that assets and debts are not necessarily divided equally but in a manner that is fair or reasonable.

It may include any increase or decrease in the value of assets and liabilities during marriage. Also, separate property can be classified as marital property if commingled with marital funds. An example is when a spouse puts an inheritance into a joint account. Discussing any property that holds great significance to you with your attorney is crucial. It gives them a better chance of protecting it from division by the court.