Separation Agreements

separation agreements divorce bc

Crafting Fair and Comprehensive Separation Agreements

Drafting your separation agreement with a mediator in BC will mean you get a say in dividing your assets, finances, and custody agreement. These top three items extend the time and cost of arguing your divorce in court. 

Our mediators are trained to assist you in coming to an agreement that is reasonable for both parties and at a fraction of the cost of letting lawyers and a judge determine your future. Our divorce mediation services in BC help you navigate the complexities and reach agreements that promote fairness and stability for all parties involved. Book a Free Consultation to learn more.

What is a Separation Agreement?

A separation agreement addresses the needs and interests of both parties, ensuring a reasonable division of assets and debts. It will also outline your custody agreement. This document is important for both legally married couples and common-law partners who are separating in BC. 


It is a legally binding document outlining the separation terms between two parties. While the specifics of a legal separation agreement in BC can vary depending on the unique circumstances of each situation, some common elements typically included may include:

Child Custody and Visitation
01
The separation agreement will detail Details regarding the custody of any children involved in the separation. This will include custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making responsibilities. Details pertaining to children of the relationship can also be included in a separate, more comprehensive document - a Parenting Plan - instead of being included in the separation agreement.
Child Support
02
The separation agreement may specify the amount and manner of child support payments, including details such as payment frequency and how expenses for the child will be divided between the parents.
Division of Assets
03
The separation agreement will detail the allocation of marital assets and property, including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal belongings. This may also include provisions for the sale or transfer of assets.
Division of Debts
04
The separation agreement will detail the allocation of marital debts, such as mortgages, loans, credit card debt, and other financial obligations. The separation agreement may specify how debts will be paid off and who will be responsible for each debt.
Spousal Support (Alimony)
05
The separation agreement will include details regarding spousal support payments, including the amount, duration, and conditions under which support may be modified or terminated.
Health Insurance and Other Benefits
06
The separation agreement will include provisions for maintaining health insurance coverage and other benefits for both parties and any children after separation.
Tax Considerations
07
The tax implications of the separation will be included in the separation agreement, such as who will claim tax deductions and credits for children, and how property transfers may affect tax liabilities.
Legal Fees and Costs
08
The allocation of legal fees and other costs associated with the separation, including provisions for reimbursement or sharing of expenses can also be included in the separation agreement.
Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
09
The separation agreement will include procedures for resolving disputes that may arise under the separation agreement, such as mediation or arbitration.
Miscellaneous Provisions
10
Other provisions that may be relevant to the specific circumstances of the parties, such as confidentiality agreements, relocation restrictions, or provisions for pets can also be included in the separation agreement.

Child Custody and Visitation

01

Have a say in the custody agreement and how you spend time with your children. The separation agreement will detail custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making responsibilities.

In some cases, a Parenting Plan is the best option. This more comprehensive document can be created separately from the divorce agreement.

Child Support

02

Agreements may specify the amount and manner of child support payments, including details such as payment frequency and how expenses for the child will be divided between the parents.

Learn more about Child Support

Division of Assets

03

Separation agreements detail the allocation of marital assets and property, including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, and personal belongings. This may also include provisions for the sale or transfer of assets.

Learn more about the Division of Assets

Division of Debts

04

The division of marital debts, such as mortgages, loans, credit card debt, and other financial obligations will also be covered in the agreement. It may specify how debts will be paid off and who will be responsible for each debt.

Learn more about the Division of Debts

Spousal Support (Alimony)

05

The separation agreement will include details regarding spousal support payments, including the amount, duration, and conditions under which support may be modified or terminated.

Learn more about Spousal Support

Health Insurance and Other Benefits

06

Sometimes agreements will include provisions for maintaining health insurance coverage and other benefits for both parties and any children after separation.

Tax Considerations

07

The tax implications of the separation will be included in the agreement, such as who will claim tax deductions and credits for children, and how property transfers may affect tax liabilities.

Legal Fees and Costs

08

The allocation of legal fees and other costs associated with the separation, including provisions for reimbursement or sharing of expenses can also be included in the separation agreement.

Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

09

The preferred procedure to be used for resolving disputes can also be included. This could be mediation or arbitration. 

Miscellaneous Provisions

10

Other provisions that may be relevant to the specific circumstances of the parties, such as confidentiality agreements, relocation restrictions, or provisions for pets can also be included in the agreement.

Our goal is to provide the support and guidance needed to create separation agreements in BC that address the interests of all parties in a single document. Our clients are able to move forward with more emotional and financial peace of mind because they were able to be a part of the process.

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If you’re ready to take the next step toward a quick divorce or legal separation in British Columbia and move forward with your life, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule an online consultation call and discover how divorce mediation can pave the way for a brighter future for you and your family.