Maryland Separation Agreements

A marital separation agreement is a written contract between divorcing spouses. A marital separation agreement addresses how important issues such as property division, child custody and alimony will be handled. The marital separation agreement is designed to cover any and all issues that are anticipated to arise during the course of the divorce. The goal of the agreement is to leave no stone unturned, so that any current and future issues in the divorce are already addressed by both spouses.

In Maryland, a husband and wife are considered separated when they are not having sexual relations and are not sleeping under the same roof or in the same residence. When people refer to “legal separation,” they are talking about a signed, written contract, otherwise known as the marital separation agreement. When a couple has signed a marital separation agreement, they have settled their claims to marital property, alimony claims, child custody, child support and other issues, however they have not yet obtained a divorce. If you are getting a divorce and need assistance with a marital separation agreement, contact an experience family law attorney who can protect your legal rights in your divorce matter.

In Maryland, the terms in separation agreements are valid and enforceable by the family court. When one spouse fails to comply with the terms of the separation agreement, and the agreement was incorporated into the divorce decree, the terms can be enforced by means of a contempt proceeding or as an independent contract. However, the courts do have the power to make a modification to any provision within the separation agreement, providing a significant change or need arises, as in respect to the care, custody, visitation or support of the children, and if a modification would be in the best interests of the children.

Annapolis Separation Agreements Lawyer

Separation agreements require the legal knowledge and skill of an experienced family law attorney. If you are heading towards divorce and would like more information about legal separation and separation agreements in Maryland, contact an Annapolis separation agreements lawyer from the Law Office of Nicholas T. Exarhakis today for more information.

Contact an Annapolis Separation Agreements Lawyer from our firm today for a free initial consultation.