Separation and Settlement Agreements
We draft and negotiate clear, court-ready agreements that settle custody, support, and property with precision. Our goal is less conflict, predictable costs, and terms that protect you and your children long after signing.
Agreement Options
Agreements let you resolve custody, support, and property without a drawn-out court fight. We issue-spot, negotiate from strength, and deliver court-ready documents that hold up. Besides separation and settlement agreements, we also draft and negotiate parenting plans and support stipulations.
What is a Separation Agreement?
A separation agreement gives you clear, enforceable rules while you live apart, without filing for divorce yet. It sets parenting time, support, and who pays which bills, protects income and assets, and reduces day-to-day conflict. Many clients use it to keep health insurance or benefits, address religious or personal concerns, and create a stable plan for the children. In New York, a properly acknowledged separation agreement can later be used to convert to an uncontested divorce.
What is a Settlement Agreement?
A settlement agreement is the final, negotiated contract that resolves your divorce without a trial. It sets the custody and parenting plan, child support and maintenance, and divides assets and debts, including businesses and retirement (with QDROs where needed). Once signed and submitted, the court incorporates it into the Judgment of Divorce so the terms are enforceable. We draft precise language, verify full financial disclosure, and build payment schedules, timelines, and protections that work in real life.
When Should We Use Each?
Separation Agreement: you need rules now, want space to work on the marriage, or want a clean on-ramp to uncontested divorce later.
Settlement Agreement: you are ready to finalize the marriage, either before filing or during the case, and want complete, court-approved terms.
Service Area
New York City, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley. Northern and Central New Jersey, including Hudson, Essex, Bergen, Union, Middlesex, and Passaic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can we modify agreements later?
Parenting and support can change with a material change in circumstances. Property terms are generally final once entered as judgment.
What happens to our separation agreement if we get back together?
We can pause it or update it. If you later decide to divorce, we reuse the terms (with refreshed financials) and file them. If you want it gone, we draft a short written revocation.
What happens if someone breaks the separation or settlement agreement?
We enforce it by going to court. If there’s an open case, we file a motion to enforce. If there isn’t, we file a new enforcement action or start a divorce and ask the court to incorporate and enforce the agreement. The court can issue compliance orders, fees, contempt findings, wage withholding, and other remedies.