Family Law
Separation Agreements
A separation agreement is a written contract that sets out how separating spouses or partners will resolve their family law issues. It can address parenting, child support, spousal support, property division, debts, the family home, and other practical terms.
Devgun Family Law helps clients in Edmonton draft, review, negotiate, and obtain independent legal advice for separation agreements.
Why a Separation Agreement Matters
A clear separation agreement can reduce uncertainty and help avoid future disputes. It gives both people a written record of what has been agreed to and how important issues will be handled. This is especially important where children, real estate, pensions, businesses, or support obligations are involved.
A weak or incomplete agreement can create problems later. Missing financial disclosure, unclear wording, unfair pressure, or lack of independent legal advice may affect enforceability.
What Should Be Included?
A separation agreement may include terms about:
- Parenting time and decision-making
- Child support
- Section 7 or special expenses
- Spousal or partner support
- Division of family property
- Responsibility for debts
- The family home
- Pensions, investments, and business interests
- Insurance and tax-related issues
- Future dispute resolution
The agreement should be tailored to the family’s actual circumstances. Template wording is often not enough.
Independent Legal Advice
Each party should usually have their own lawyer review the agreement before signing. Independent legal advice helps confirm that each person understands the agreement, the legal consequences, and any risks.