Marital Settlement Agreements

A Marital Settlement Agreement (“MSA”) is a written contract settling the rights of the parties prior to a final dissolution of marriage.  It is also 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, custody, visitation, and other issues that are typically otherwise resolved by a judge after a final hearing.  If the parties can come to an agreement, they can usually agree to what they want done 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 divorce judgment.

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