I’m leaving an intimate relationship and need a separation agreement

Separation agreements are legally binding contracts that set out specific terms and conditions. They state how assets and debts are divided, how income is shared, and how children are cared for. Think of it as a blueprint to allow you to build your future. From negotiating and drafting separation agreements, to amending existing agreements when circumstances change, we provide constructive support and clear guidance.

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OUR APPROACH

You’ll get the expertise of a lawyer, but you won’t feel like you’re working with one. Our hope is that you’re going to be surprised in the best way—and always out-of-court.

Services

Negotiate a Separation Agreement

This is the biggest and most important work we’ll do in the financial, legal, and parenting restructuring of your life. It will resolve all the terms of your separation.

Negotiate Changes to an Existing Agreement

If you have review provisions as part of an existing agreement, we can work with you to create or amend terms.

Draft Terms for an Agreement You’ve Already Reached

If you’ve already come to an agreement but still need a legal document and don’t know where to start, we can help create it for you, binding legal language and all.

Obtain an Uncontested Divorce

Once you have a separation agreement in place, we help you take the last step to be divorced.

Process Options

We offer two types of settlement processes, and work with you to choose the right approach for your circumstances.

Collaborative

Both collaborative and mediation services share the same values and philosophy. However, in collaborative law, each person has their own lawyer representing them throughout the process. This can be appropriate for those who have a complex dynamic with their partner, strong or power and knowledge differences and want to feel individually supported . This service means we’re acting as lawyers, representing only you.

Mediation without Lawyers

Unlike collaborative law, in mediation we act as a neutral third party. This is suitable for people who don’t need their lawyers at the table, and who can negotiate directly with their partner, with professional assistance . In this service, we remain neutral and don’t represent either person.

Mediation with Your Lawyers

Sometimes negotiations break down in traditional negotiations or in the collaborative process. We act as mediators to help resolve impasse, usually booking a half or full day to work on reaching settlement. You and your spouse attend with your lawyers.

FAQs

  • We offer a complimentary 15-minute call to learn more about you, assess whether we can help, and in what capacity. We then conduct a paid consultation that is typically 1-1.5 hours.

  • A separation agreement is a legally binding contract that sets out the terms related to your separation, such as income sharing, asset and debt division, and parenting.

  • In addition to clearly stating the terms of your separation, it’s often important for other aspects, such as tax implications.

  • If you are married and wish to be divorced, you can apply for an uncontested divorce that would unmarry you. It is an over-the-counter court process that you don’t attend in person. We recommend you do this once your separation agreement has been signed.

  • There is no such thing as a “legal separation.” You can be separated in the same home, or living apart. The date of separation is the date that one person decides there is no chance of reconciliation. You do not need to obtain a legal separation.

  • Please take a read here. We would then love to chat with you about it!

Book an Intro Call

We look forward to speaking with you to learn more about you and your family, see if we can assist, and help you decide what process may be best.