SEPARATION AGREEMENTS
Need Some Space? Not Sure About Divorce?
Maybe our full Divorce Mediation Services aren't right for you. Maybe you're just thinking about separating. Maybe you need some time and space to "figure things out." Maybe you don't think you can afford to get a divorce right now.
Even if you're "only" separating from your spouse, there are a number of questions you'll want to think about:
- Do we need a written separation agreement to separate? How much detail do we need?
- Will we live "separately" but in the same house? Can we do an "in house separation"?
- If we live in separate homes, can we afford the expenses of a second home?
- How will the mortgages or rents be paid? Who will maintain the houses and who will pay for it?
- How can we be sure the children are taken care of? When will each parent be with the children?
- Do we want to keep our assets jointly or separate them? If some of our assets continue to be jointly owned, who's going to manage our assets?
- What will we do with our paychecks? How will we cover the expenses? What credit cards will we each use?
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"Don't lick the beaters while they're still on."
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--Abigail Francart, Age 11
from "Never Eat Anything That Moves"
by Robert Bender
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All of these questions are important. But you and your spouse may not agree on how they should be resolved. During separation mediation at Resolution Point, the right questions are asked, and we will explore a level of detail that's appropriate for your situation. If it appears a written separation agreement is needed, we'll help you create an agreement (to review with your attorneys if desired).
Will You Have To Live Under One Roof?
In today's tough economy, there are a number of tough issues that may affect whether you can get divorced and what it might look like financially to separate.
If there is no equity in the house or "negative equity" because you owe more than its market value today, do you have the resources to pay for a second home? At Resolution Point, you'll find out if you can afford a second residence before you commit to one. Whether you're considering a divorce or separation, your separate living arrangements are often the first issue that needs discussion. And with our Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™, you'll get a practical look at your different options.
| "Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your own way." |
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--Unknown
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Limited Issues
There's no question that talking about separation and divorce is stressful. Managing your affairs and looking forward is a tough conversation even when you are getting along. Sometimes, it may be better to deal with the minimum number of topics to set up a separation. Perhaps if you can reduce the number of topics to the barest minimum, you can give yourself some space to let emotions cool a little and conversations to become more productive.
If a final divorce is not the immediate goal, we can reduce the number of topics covered, reducing the time and cost of the mediation and perhaps reducing the antagonism. We'll cover:
- Living arrangements.
- Parenting during the interim situation.
- Support needed for the spouses and for the children.
Just like a mediation for a full divorce, we'll have an orientation and move through these limited topics in a logical order and in a safe environment. We'll talk about property separation only as much as necessary to handle the separation. To learn more about the orientation session and the general organization of family mediation sessions, see "Mediation Steps".
| "Prediction is very difficult, especially about the future." |
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--Niels Bohr
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