There is a strong narrative suggesting or even stating that only a lawyer can draft a legally binding separation agreement and this is not true. Anyone can draft their own separation agreement and as long as it includes certain information, is signed by both spouses and witnessed it is legally binding.
How To Write a Separation Agreement Name and address of both spouses. Details of the marriage. Beginning date of the separation. Statement of the intention to separate. Terms of use of the agreement. Specifications regarding the division of assets and the shared financial or child responsibilities of both parties.
Separation agreements must be in writing (not verbal), must be signed by both parties, and both signatures must be notarized.
North Carolina and South Carolina are equitable distribution states, not community property states. Unlike a community property state, which divides marital assets 50/50, equitable distribution states take the time to make sure the division is fair to both parties, and they do not divide separate property.
Separation Agreement: A Path of Mutual Agreement Your attorney and your spouse will help you draft it. It allows couples to define the terms and conditions of their separation, covering vital aspects such as child custody and child support, spousal support (alimony), and division of assets and debts.
Although being let go from a job is a stressful experience, you might be able to negotiate the terms of your severance package to suit your needs while finding another employer.
It depends. If there are not a lot of marital assets and debts to be divided and depending if there are minor children born of the marriage, a Separation Agreement can be basic and not break the bank. Typically, a $1,500-$2,500 retainer would be expected for a rather straight forward Agreement.
Separation does not always mean courts and judges—in fact North Carolina makes it very easy to make an agreement on all of these matters. Simply having a drafted document, notarized and signed may resolve these issues. A separation agreement can be effective especially when you have children and property involved.
One spouse or the other must have resided in North Carolina for at least six months and the parties must have been separated for at least one year with the separation intended to be permanent.