A marital settlement agreement is a comprehensive written agreement that describes all of the agreements you have reached with your spouse with regard to the issues in your divorce in New Jersey. The document is submitted to the court and the terms in it directly become the terms of your divorce judgment. A separation agreement is a similar document that includes the same types of agreements, however it is not filed with the court and is meant to decide the issues at play while the couple is separated, before they divorce. A separation agreement can become the basis for a marital settlement agreement once the couple is ready to move forward with a divorce.
A marital settlement agreement contains the couple’s agreements about:
- Parenting time and how the parents will share their time with their children
- Property division and all financial agreements that are reached as part of the divorce
- Alimony or spousal support
- Child support
A marital settlement agreement can be entered into at any point during your divorce. Some couples negotiate the terms of their settlement before they even file and are able to proceed through the divorce on an uncontested basis, submitting the settlement agreement to the court. If your divorce is contested, your attorneys will work to negotiate a settlement agreement throughout the process, with the goal of avoiding a trial.
It is essential that you work with an experienced attorney who can help you create a marital settlement agreement that is complete and covers all of the issues and agreements involved in your divorce.
DeTorres & DeGeorge offers representation in divorce, child custody and family law in Clinton, New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Make an appointment by calling 908-284-6005 now.