While lawyers and judges are the ultimate legal experts, of course, I believe that every citizen should take the time to learn a little about law for several reasons. First, it is important to know your rights, and knowing them can come in handy if anyone ever accuses you of a crime you didn't commit or threatens you legally in another other way. Second, learning about your local, state, and federal laws can help you act as a better citizen. When election time comes around, you can then truly understand ever change in law being proposed by a candidate and whether it benefits society or not. I plan to share posts about law topics explained in plain English on my new blog, so you can come back often to sharpen your legal knowledge!
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Personal Injury Law: Navigating the Path to Compensation 7 February 2024
Everyone Should Learn a Little about Law
The Importance of a Separation Agreement
Kaylee Wells
If you and your spouse are having major marriage problems but are not yet ready to split up for good, one step you can take is to seek a legal separation. When you do this, you are still married; however, you are legally separated from one another. When getting a legal separation, you will need a lawyer, and this lawyer will help you create a separation agreement.
What Is a Separation Agreement?
A separation agreement is a legal document that states the conditions, arrangements, and agreements for your period of separation. This document is something that both spouses must abide by, and it is a legally binding document. Even if you do not think you need an agreement like this, you should get one if you are getting a legal separation. It will not only give both of you the guidelines to follow, but it will also protect both of you.
Why Is This Agreement Important?
Getting a legal separation agreement is not required by law for a legal separation, but it is always a good idea. This agreement is there to give instructions to both spouses as to how things will be handled during this period, and you and your spouse will need to agree on the things included on the agreement. If you cannot agree, you will need to go to court to let a judge determine what the agreements will be.
Secondly, this agreement will protect you. If your spouse is supposed to do something according to this agreement, you will have the legal right to get that enforced by bringing the matter to court.
What Things Should You Place in This Agreement?
The things you place in the agreement will depend on your unique situation, but here are some common items to consider adding to the agreement:
- Who lives in the house – If you own a house, who will live there and who will move out?
- Who pays the bills – Even though you are getting separated, the bills will still continue coming in, and you will need to determine who is responsible for paying the bills. In most cases, spouses will split them, but this varies.
- Where the kids go – If you have children, where will they live? Will the other spouse pay child support?
These are some of the top things to include on the agreement. To learn more about legal separation, contact a separation agreement lawyer.
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