The divorce process in CA involves various processes and legal documents, and it can be easy to lose track of all the moving pieces. One of these key documents is the marital settlement agreement, one that you cannot afford to overlook.

For folks who are feeling overwhelmed, a marital settlement agreement is a good place to start. Today’s post is a look at what a marital settlement agreement consists of and a discussion as to when and how you should begin to think about and implement this in your CA divorce proceedings.

Defining a Marital Settlement Agreement

In simple terms, a marital settlement agreement is a contract between a divorcing couple that lays out the specific terms and outcome of the divorce. It allows you and the soon-to-be-ex to agree upon and establish preferences on important matters such as:

• Child custody arrangements
• Visitation rights and schedules
• Alimony and spousal support
• Property and asset division

These are just some of the discussions and decisions that your marital settlement agreement can define. The important benefit is that it gives you the power to set these decisions, with the caveat being that you and the ex must be willing to work together and see eye-to-eye on some if not all affairs. When a marital settlement agreement is in the cards however, the benefits are major. You’ll spend less time and money in court and can generally expect a simpler, more streamlined divorce process. 

Consult with an Experienced Attorney to Help Draft an Effective Marital Settlement Agreement

While this type of contract can definitely make things much simpler for everyone, divorce is still a complicated and nuance process. There are factors which could cause obstacles when least expected, such as potential disagreements with the ex, unfavorable terms that could place your parental rights at risk, and more. 

If you’re looking to establish an effective marital settlement agreement, the best way to protect yourself is to consult with an experienced family law attorney. Our seasoned lawyers are able to sit down with you, learn about your specific situation and needs, and move forward to help you plan out strategies, draft contracts, and assist with any other facet of your CA family law case. 

Learn about how we can help by calling the White Oak Law. Reach out to us at 925-271-0999 to connect with our team of legal experts today.