A separation agreement is a legal contract which deals with all matters related to the ending of a spousal relationship and if children are involved, the restructuring of the family unit. Whether you are married or common-law, when ending a spousal relationship it is best to finalize all issues in either a court order or comprehensive separation agreement. Regardless of your status (married or common-law), you can choose to go either route. If you are separating from your spouse and need to get something achieved quickly, such as transferring ownership of a house or obtaining financing, a separation agreement or order is often required by the financial institution that holds the mortgage. Separation agreements can be a more cost-effective and efficient way of finalizing certain aspects of your separation as you can deal quickly with certain issues and leave others for later in the process (such as applying for a divorce). Read more about separation agreements here, or contact us to set up a consultation with a lawyer.

Popularly known as a “pre-nup,” a marriage agreement is a legal contract for married couples or couples that are about to be married. The agreement is meant to provide a comprehensive framework for the way in which the couple wishes their relationship to function, practically speaking, and the way that issues will be resolved should the couple separate down the road. Similarly, a cohabitation agreement is a great idea for anyone considering moving in with a new partner but doesn’t plan to marry them. By having a lawyer draft an agreement that is legally binding it is possible to negotiate out of certain aspects of the Family Law Act. This is particularly important to consider if you and your partner have unequal assets or debts, a major discrepancy in income, or if somebody has received a significant gift (for example, a down-payment from your parents). Read more about cohabitation/marriage agreements here, or contact us to set up a consultation with a lawyer.