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What You Need to Know About Divorce Agreement

On Behalf of | Oct 17, 2021 | Divorce

Many people mistakenly think that divorce is simply a matter of dividing assets and debts. However, in most cases, one spouse will be awarded custody of the children while the other parent has visitation rights. The property division process can also be complicated by factors such as what state you live in or if either party owns any real estate outside your home state.

By consulting with an experienced lawyer at Tacoma Family Law Attorney, you can avoid making mistakes because they ensure you understand all the legal options available to protect yourself in negotiations or signing a divorce agreement.

Without consulting with an attorney, you may unintentionally waive any rights you are entitled to under state laws. For example, you could sign away their right to claim alimony in the future or waive child custody rights that are important for you.

What is a Divorce Agreement?

A divorce agreement is a legal document that covers all aspects of the time after you are no longer married, including child custody and visitation terms, property division issues such as who will keep assets or debts, in addition to decisions about alimony. You can also use these agreements for other matters related to their separation and divorce.

Your lawyer will ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities under the law. They will also be able to guide you through negotiations with your spouse or create a document that reflects all of the agreements made between you both.

The divorce agreement is then submitted for approval by a family court judge who will consider it in light of state laws before signing off.

Why do You Need a Divorce Agreement?

A divorce agreement can be beneficial in ensuring that the terms of your separation and post-divorce lives are clear. Without a written document outlining what is to happen, communication between you and your spouse may not go well, and conflicts could arise over issues such as who gets to live in your home or whether any assets will need to be sold.

A divorce agreement is also helpful for many other matters, such as receiving spousal support or child custody issues that arise after the court signs off. By consulting with an attorney from the beginning, you will have peace of mind knowing that all of your important issues are covered. You will also have a written document that is legally enforceable in the event of future conflicts.

Can You Create Your Divorce Agreement?

If you can resolve all of your issues with your spouse, it may be possible for one or both of you to draft a divorce agreement without the help of an experienced family law attorney. But this is not advisable if significant legal matters are involved, such as child custody or large amounts of assets that need to be divided because it can complicate this process.

In summary, divorce is never easy. When going through the process, it’s essential to keep in mind that you should not forget certain things. These include:

  • Legal fees
  • The division of property and assets
  • Division of debt
  • Child custody and visitation rights

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