Virginia Marital Separation Agreements and Legal Separation
What is a marital separation agreement?
A marital separation agreement is also known as a property settlement agreement ("PSA"). Rather than taking a case to trial, the marital separation agreement is a contract between the two parties that identifies how property will be divided as well as all issues related to alimony, custody and child support. At The Law Office of Rita Ros-Planas, I help clients work towards marital separation agreements at the time of divorce.
For dependable advocacy you can trust to achieve results, call me directly at 757-491-1331 or contact me by e-mail to schedule an initial consultation.
Do I need to sign a marital separation agreement?
While trial is an alternative to a marital separation agreement, in my experience, over 90 percent of couples end divorce with a marital separation agreement. I began practicing family law in 1985 and have handled countless divorces and other family legal disputes since that time. I know that disagreements can become costly and time-consuming. As your attorney, I will work with you to develop lasting, tailored solutions that can be detailed in a marital separation agreement.
Do I need an attorney?
A marital separation agreement is a contract between you and your former spouse. It is your financial future. It is important to know your rights and work with an attorney who can clearly articulate your best interests and who knows the law. Rather than push your dispute through the trial process, you can work with an attorney who can protect your rights and clearly identify your obligations in a marital separation agreement. However, if the parties cannot agree, or if the other party is unreasonable, I am a tough litigator who will pursue your best interests in court.
At what point can I sign a marital separation agreement?
At any time during the divorce, a marital separation agreement can be drawn to hasten the process, reduce time and expense of court, and help parties negotiate issues that arise during divorce.
Do I still need to go to court?
Once you have a signed agreement, you can get an uncontested divorce. If there is one issue you don't agree on, you can resolve all issues except for the one issue and go to trial on that issue. Very often, parties will resolve all issues through agreement and take alimony or a complex property issue to court.
What are the benefits to a marital separation agreement?
A marital separation agreement empowers you to write your own divorce decree, rather than having a judge tell you what to do. The separation agreement is incorporated into the divorce decree and clearly details your rights and obligations as you and your spouse have agreed.
Call 757-491-1331 or contact me by e-mail to schedule an initial consultation with an experienced Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Chesapeake lawyer. Se habla español. Our law office offers plenty of free parking for clients.
