SEPARATION AGREEMENTS
WRITTEN AGREEMENTS:
SEPARATION AGREEMENTS, PRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS, CONSENT ORDERS, AND POST NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS.
Maryland Separation Agreements
“Can my wife and I just agree on everything and get a quick divorce?”
Coming to a written agreement requires all parties to agree. For an agreement to be valid it must be entered into voluntarily, without duress or coercion, and with the opportunity to consult with an attorney. This method of resolving disputes is quicker and less expensive than Court. Most importantly, this method is less acrimonious than fighting in Court, it takes away the “risk” of outcomes in Court, and is less burdensome to relationships going forward. If Mulinazzi Law Office writes your Agreement, your case will be uncontested and if you are married you will be eligible for an uncontested divorce.
** Do the Agreement correctly the first time**
It’s VERY hard (almost impossible) to correct a bad Agreement once it’s signed.
There are plenty of “do-it-yourself” agreements on-line and there are inexperienced attorneys or mediators who don’t practice family law who will offer to draft an agreement for you – protect yourself! Don’t sacrifice quality!
Our Office spends a great deal of time consulting with clients who bring us poorly drafted Agreements to review. These agreements have missing issues (‘holes”) or the language is vague or unenforceable by the Court. When it comes to a legal agreement don’t take short cuts or be “penny-wise and pound-foolish.” Once you sign an agreement you usually cannot undo it and you are forever barred from getting what you were entitled to before you signed the bad agreement.
“What if she won’t agree to anything I propose?”
If the other side really will not agree to anything, then Mulinazzi Law Office will not waste your money and everyone’s efforts trying to pursue an Agreement. Our attorneys are careful with your money and instead they will give you other options to test whether or not smaller steps can be achieved to reduce the conflict. Still, if you feel you and your ‘ex’ can compromise in the interests of the entire family and respect and listen to your concerns, then it may be worth the time, energy, and money to have an Agreement drafted or to negotiate the terms of an agreement.
During the negotiation phase, the attorneys at the Mulinazzi Law Office will consult with you to ensure that you have the information and guidance you need to make sure nothing is lost or overlooked. Once the terms of your agreements are identified, our attorneys will draft an Agreement that will tie up all loose ends, stand up in Court if there is a question about the terms – even years later, and accurately articulate what you and your spouse intended. Therefore, the Maryland Separation Agreements we draft take into account all issues, including custody, detailed visitation schedules, alimony, payment of joint bills, what to do with the marital home, federal and state taxes, all real and personal property (financial accounts, furniture, cars, etc.), and all issues involving the maintenance of the children to include child support, health insurance, college expenses, and extracurricular expenses. We also plan for the most likely of contingencies – our Agreements are “durable” because the Agreements are fair and written in plain English.
“Do we really need two different attorneys? Can the attorney represent both of us?
NO, one attorney cannot represent you and your spouse and the other side must have an opportunity to have his/her own attorney review the agreement before signing it. This is true even if a mediator, or other third party neutral, drafted the Agreement. As such, if your spouse’s attorney (or a mediator) drafted the Separation Agreement we are also available to review the Agreement with you, answer any questions you have, and assist you in making any changes or clarifying the obligations under the Agreement.
Our Office represents clients all over Maryland and we can even help you remotely/long distance to negotiate and draft an agreement. If you want to work with an attorney who will be careful with your money and the costs associated with reaching an agreement and attorneys who understands all the nuances in drafting a concise separation agreement, contact our firm online or call 410-290-6270 to schedule your appointment.