Sunset Session
Your Final Stage in the Divorce Process
Marital Settlement Agreement vs. Divorce Decree: The Main Difference
Your marital settlement agreement doesn’t mean that you’re divorced. Only your divorce decree means that you’re divorced. Your marital settlement agreement will ultimately become your divorce, but it needs to be reviewed by a judge first.
You need your marital settlement agreement to file for divorce, but you don’t have to abide by the agreement until after you’ve received your divorce decree. The two documents are related (and have nearly the same function), but your settlement agreement won’t have any meaningful power until you get your divorce decree.
What Is a Marital Settlement Agreement?
A marital settlement agreement is a document that details how you’ve agreed to end your marriage. A marital settlement agreement will show how property is divided. It can also include how you’d like to share custody of your children, information on who keeps the family pets, and how you intend to handle a family-run business after a divorce.
It’s a comprehensive post-divorce plan that details what will happen with your shared investments, property, and family once the process is complete.
How Do You Get a Marital Settlement Agreement?
You get a marital settlement agreement by coming to conclusions that you and your spouse fully agree on. You can create your own marital settlement agreement if you’re able to talk it out. You’ll use that document to file for an uncontested divorce.
Working With a Mediator
As your Divorce Coach, I will help prepare your agreement. If you’re unable to reach an agreement with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, we can involve a professional Divorce Mediator. Like Divorce Coaches, Divorce Mediators don’t work with the court, and they’re not acting as lawyers.
A Divorce Mediator is a neutral 3rd party to bridge an agreement between you. They are divorce law experts who can listen to your disagreement and make you aware of all possible solutions. They’ll walk you through the process of making compromises, but you’ll have the final say in what makes it to your marital settlement agreement.
As your Divorce Coach, I can assist you in formulating the agreement and help you decide exactly what you want and what you believe to be fair.
Your mediator will provide you with a mediated settlement agreement, which is the same thing as a marital settlement agreement. The document works the same way as it would if you made your decisions without the help of a mediator. You still have time to do so before you officially file for divorce to make changes. If something comes up we can amend the agreement.
Working with a Divorce Coach
Attaining a Martial Settlement Agreement at the end of your divorce is a critical step in the process. Divorce is an exhausting and time-consuming feat, and these last steps could feel daunting, so I’m here to help you in this Sunset Season.
To find out more about how I can help your particular case, book a free discovery session today.
