Massachusetts Separation Agreement Lawyer

Divorce & Family Law Attorney

A divorce is a final ending of a marriage. Often couples seek to not pursue a divorce as they seek to protect the children, their finances would suffer, for family or religious reasons a divorce is not an option or simply they wish to separate on a trial basis before moving to the permanent dissolution of a marriage. Often issues of inheritance, especially with elderly couples, or the problems of dividing business interests lie behind seeking a separation rather than a divorce. It can be a complicated question and as always in these matters it is wise to seek the counsel of an experienced Massachusetts divorce attorney.

But just because a separation is not a divorce does not mean that the many questions and issues to be addressed in a non-functional marriage have gone away. A couple still needs to address such points as:

Who has custody of any children?
Will the custody be joint or sole? This should involve deciding on physical custody as well.
Questions of asset distribution and real estate division must be settled. If a home still remains then who will physically reside in that home must be agreed upon.
Often beloved pets can be a thorny issue that must be decided.
Trusts, inheritances or judgment awards
Insurance and retirement
Child support or spousal support

Separation Agreements in Massachusetts

These are just a short list of some of the things to be considered and spelled out in a separation agreement. Over our 25 plus years in this field of legal practice Rauseo Law has come to understand the full breadth of what a comprehensive separation agreement should cover. We have to anticipate future needs as well as take tax consequences under consideration while formulating each and every agreement. As a separation agreement must be signed by both parties to be valid we have had to learn how to bring both sides to a mutual meeting ground.

If the need for a separation agreement is present in your life or if you have questions regarding this matter please contact our Massachusetts separation attorney as soon as possible. Our firm serves families in Lexington, Lowell, Marblehead, Lynnfield, Cambridge, Beverly, Andover, Newburyport, Saugus, Winchester and Wakefield.