5 Rules of Creating a Virginia Separation Agreement

When you are considering a separation in Virginia, it is wise to begin the process by consulting with a Virginia divorce attorney that specializes in divorce for women. An attorney can help you to draft a Virginia separation agreement, which may help to save time, money and the heartache of a drawn-out divorce trial.

When you and your Virginia divorce attorney partner to draw up the terms of your Virginia separation agreement, you will have to keep a few key points in mind. These "rules" will help you to keep from making costly mistakes in your separation agreement.

Listed below are the 5 rules of creating a Virginia separation agreement: 

• Rule #1 - Create a Virginia separation agreement that is catered to your divorce situation, and avoid working with any Virginia divorce attorney that tells you it must be done a certain way, even if that way isn't suited to your needs.
• Rule #2 - A Virginia separation agreement is a legally-binding private contract and you should not sign one without having it reviewed by your Virginia divorce attorney first.
• Rule #3 - Don't be pressured into giving up rights to property or marital assets in order to get legal custody of your children; this can backfire and cost you your financial well-being, without a guarantee that you will retain Virginia child custody.
• Rule #4 - Include specific dates and times for when each item (Virginia spousal support payments, etc.) in the agreement is to be completed.
• Rule #5 -Speaking of specificity, avoid vague language at all costs. Leaving something open to interpretation can be a very expensive mistake that will haunt you for years to come.  

To learn more about preparing your Virginia separation agreement, visit our article library. 

Contacting a Virginia Divorce Attorney

Our Virginia divorce attorneys care about your rights, the welfare and happiness of your children, and your financial security. Let us use our unique experience and legal expertise to help you focus on your goals for the future and your family. To learn more about Virginia divorce, request a FREE copy of our guide, What Every Virginia Woman Should Know About Divorce, or reserve your seat at our monthly divorce seminar - 757-425-5200.