There is a reason that so many people recommend that you have a new jersey separation agreement in place prior to formally filing for divorce. This is because there are so many issues to consider when parents legally separate from one another. And most of these issues are of vital importance to your family law case. If you do not have a solid legal framework guiding you going forward, you might end up with regrettable circumstances. Failing to address an array of issues relating to your shared children, for example, could have negative consequences on your future custody arrangement.
A New Jersey Separation Agreement is a formal, legally binding agreement between parents who are no longer living together but still raise children together. This separation agreement helps to provide structure to what would otherwise be an undefined situation. As parents divorce and become estranged from one another, it not only affects the former couple, but it also affects the kids. It is often hard for kids to deal with this new arrangement, so it is even more important for parents to set an example by remaining rational, cooperative, and structured.
A New Jersey Separation Agreement can influence child custody arrangements, as it defines where a child will live, when a child will spend time with a parent, and how the parents will split costs, transportation, and other responsibilities. Your agreement must be specific and clear, otherwise judges and lawyers must make determinations that may be unfavorable to you. Examples of terms commonly found in separation agreements include:
If you don’t have a Joint Legal Custody Agreement in place, people on the outside (legal professionals, relatives, even the child) will be forced to make judgments regarding your family matters. You may not like how these judgments come out.
Because parents are equally responsible for their children, gender equality must be upheld in a separation agreement. Issues like child support payments cannot favor either gender. A neutral, structured approach is the only way to ensure equitable treatment going forward.
Good question. Technically speaking, a separation agreement does not lead to a divorce. What it accomplishes is to get the parties to a point where they both agree upon the issues at stake, and then proceed to file for formal divorce. While the separation agreement may deal with support and child custody matters, it is really a step along the way to obtaining a final divorce.
The laws vary from country to country, especially when it comes to family law. The country of Pakistan has its own separate legal framework dealing with parental separation and custody. Although there are some similarities, there may also be differences that could impact your case.
Often, the best way to understand legal agreements is through the use of real-life examples. Here are a few anecdotes to consider. These tips could help you to better understand the importance and utility of separation agreements:
A knowledgeable New Jersey divorce lawyer can assist you during each step of the legal process. Having a filed divorce or a separation agreement in place can make a positive difference for you and all members of your family.
For more information on family law, you can visit Nolo’s Family Law Overview.