Marital Settlement Agreements

A Marital Settlement Agreement (“MSA”) is a written contract settling the rights of parties prior to a final dissolution of marriage.  It can also be referred to as a Property Settlement Agreement.  These agreements are binding and enforceable when freely and voluntarily entered into and signed by both parties.  The parties negotiate and agree to a division of their assets and debts, as well as alimony, time-sharing of minor children, and other issues that are typically otherwise resolved by a judge after a final hearing.  If the parties are able to come to an agreement, they can usually agree to what they would like the outcome to be, rather than have the Court make that decision for them.  Parties that ultimately agree to an MSA usually do file for divorce, at which time the MSA is incorporated into the Final Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage.

At The Women’s Law Group, we can discuss your options, the issues involved in your case, and negotiate and prepare an MSA.