Do-it-Yourself Separation

A lot of people are interested in drafting their own separation agreement. While it is certainly possible to negotiate the terms of your agreement one on one between the separating parties, it is always recommended that you seek legal advice to ensure that your rights are being protected and your responsibilities are clear.

Sometimes separated spouses are able to come to an agreement with respect to the family law issues arising from their separation directly, and without outside involvement.

These direct negotiations are sometimes referred to as “kitchen table” negotiations, or “do-it-yourself” agreements. Direct negotiations are completely voluntary, and the spouses are free to focus on what matters most to them in reaching an agreement. Separated spouses who are able to negotiate the terms of a settlement on their own should still retain lawyers to provide them each with independent legal advice (ILA) before signing an agreement, to confirm that they fully understand its consequences, and to ensure that it will be legally binding and enforceable in court.