What is the Purpose of a Separation Agreement?

The purpose of a separation agreement is to “promote amicable settlement of disputes between parties to a marriage attendant on their separation or the dissolution of their marriage.” Spouses who wish to divorce may enter into a written separation agreement containing provisions for disposition of their marital property and debts. Divorces often involves marriages of long duration with considerable marital assets. In these complex situations when parties are able to quickly reach agreement, they may enter a written separation agreement which is then submitted to the court and incorporated into their final decree of dissolution.