The Law Offices of Kathleen Duckett McCann, LLC

Separation Agreements, sometimes known as “Separation and Property Settlement Agreements” or “Marital Settlement Agreements” are contracts between divorcing (or separating) couples that resolve all of the issues arising out of their marriage, separation, and/or divorce. These Agreements are made before the couple actually divorces. They have the potential of making the divorce itself much simpler and cost effective. Separation Agreements resolve such matters as child custody, child support, alimony, disposition of the marital home, division of retirement and other financial assets, apportionment of debt, division of personal property, and estate rights. If a fair Agreement can be reached early on in the separation process, the cost and complexity of the divorce is usually much reduced. Separation Agreements can be the result of negotiation between attorneys on behalf of their clients, or they can stem from mediation. Once signed, these Agreements are almost always legally binding and can have far reaching serious consequences. While Separation Agreements can provide an amicable, efficient and fair resolution to difficult, contested divorce issues, clients should be aware of their legal rights and responsibilities prior to signing such an Agreement. Ms. McCann has many years of experience drafting and reviewing Separation Agreements and providing my clients with sound legal advice and guidance to enable them to make informed decisions regarding settlement. She has negotiated many such Agreements on behalf of her clients and she has advised many others regarding mediated Agreements. She provides her clients with as much information as possible to enable them to weigh the pros and cons effectively before deciding to enter into such an Agreement.