How long do I need to be separated before getting divorced? 

First of all, it is important to mention that separation is not the only ground for divorce. The Divorce Act lists three grounds for divorce, namely adultery, cruelty, and separation. Depending on your situation, separation may not be the most relevant ground. It is something you can review carefully with a certified Family Law lawyer for legal advice. 

If you wish to use separation as a ground for divorce, it is important to understand the following. While physical separation is easy to prove, courts will also consider separated couples who live at the same address. This can happen when spouses agree that their lives are apart despite the common physical location. It can be hard to prove, but a spouse who for a reason or another cannot move out can still invoke separation as a ground for divorce as long as they can demonstrate it. 

There is no time limit to the separation. The divorce doesn't occur automatically at the end of a specific period of separation. In some cases, couples carry on living separately without getting a divorce because no spouse intends on remarrying or legally ending the marriage. You will need to file for divorce for the courts to legally end the marriage. To do so, the courts require spouses to be separated for at least one full year. You can begin the application process for divorce at any time during the separation, but the courts will only grant the divorce once a full year has passed. 

At the time of the separation, spouses can create a separation agreement, which can be used as a legally binding contract to settle issues related to the separation. 

What is the purpose of separation agreements?

Separation agreements are legal contracts that are made and agreed upon between the two spouses. These are treated seriously by courts and can be used as a settlement plan for a divorce. It is worth mentioning that separation agreements are not mandatory for separation. Spouses do not need to write a separation agreement for their separation to be used as a ground for divorce. But, it is not uncommon for spouses to use the separation period to draft a separation agreement. 

Separation agreements act as written records of how you and your spouse decide to settle the different issues related to the end of the marriage. The contract includes the details of each spouse's rights on issues related to child access, property and assets division, debts, child support, spouse support, and details of the living arrangements. It isn't necessary for separation agreements to settle all the issues related to the separation. Sometimes, spouses can't agree on specific points and these will need to be settled in courts. 

Separation agreements need to include important items to serve their purpose. They will state the full legal name of each spouse as well as the date of separation. Spouses need to address the items for settlement with clarity and a detailed approach. This is a brief list of some of the most common items that belong to separation agreements. 

• Parenting time and child support payments:
  • Which parenting style will be used? When relevant, which parent will be caring for the child most of the time? 
  • Where will the child live and with whom?
  • How will parenting time (previously child access) be determined and for which parent?
  • Who will be making child support payments and how much will be paid?
  • How long is child support going to last?
• Property and assets division: 
  • Which spouse is to get which items and date of division?
  • If spouses own a house together, will it be sold for profits to be shared between them?
  • Further details on the house sale, including who is responsible for the property until the sale, who will be living in it until it is sold, and how profits will be divided post-sale.
  • Will pensions and RRSPs be split between spouses?
  • Who is entitled to permitted transfers with REPs? 
  • Is there an investment portfolio that needs to be split?
  • Division of joint bank accounts
• Debts:
  • Which spouse will be responsible for which debts?
  • Details on how debts generated after the separation but before the divorce are to be settled
• Spouse support:
  • Will there be support paid to one spouse?
  • If support is to be paid, details on the amount, duration, and scheduling
  • If support is waived, details on whether the process is permanent
• Other:
  • Agreement on pets, including access and support

Are separation agreements recognized in a divorce?

As long as separation agreements are fair, reasonable, and properly executed, they are taken seriously by the courts. Judges will respect the terms agreed to by the spouses in writing as long as these are stated clearly and within reason in the separation agreement. Therefore, it is essential to understand that a spouse who has signed the agreement is unlikely to be able to contest terms during the divorce process. For instance, judges will not amend terms regarding property and asset division or spousal support if these have been agreed by the spouses. 

Additionally, terms that have been agreed to will be rejected by the courts if the agreement separation is not written properly. In the absence of an acceptable and legally- binding agreement, the governing law of the jurisdiction will determine the issues to be settled and how these will be settled between the spouses. 

As separation agreements are binding contracts, they need to meet the legal expectations of the courts to be recognized in a divorce. Unclear agreements are likely to turn into a costly issue during the divorce process or after. Therefore, spouses need to make sure that they understand the terms and settlement suggested in the separation agreement before signing it. Spouses should seek legal advice before signing the agreement. This will ensure that there is no unpleasant surprise after the divorce and that everybody understands their post-separation responsibilities. 

There is no legal requirement to reach out to a lawyer to write separation agreements. However, lawyers are trained in this matter and can ensure that the legal rights of each spouse are respected. A legally drafted agreement will also be written properly with knowledge of the required terms and the relevant governing laws. Separation agreements are enforceable by the courts when they are properly drafted and signed by both parties. 

Why do I need a separation agreement?

A separation agreement is not mandatory. Some spouses choose to file for divorce without a separation agreement. This will not affect the legality of the divorce. The reason why many spouses prefer to sign a separation agreement is to help with the divorce process. 

Indeed, separation agreements allow spouses to decide on what works best for their families. They are in charge of how things should be settled between them and can ensure they select terms with full knowledge and understanding of their mutual situations. On the other hand, the absence of an agreement would mean that the courts are left to decide on the behalf of the spouses. 

Going through a divorce is a stressful experience, even when spouses remain on speaking terms and try to work together toward the best possible outcomes for both. Separation agreements can alleviate a lot of stress and anxiety. When the contract is legally written and agreed upon, spouses do not need to go through courts. 

Comparatively, couples who have signed separation agreements find their divorce processes to be cheaper than those who didn't. In the absence of a signed agreement, spouses need to go through courts to settle the relevant issues. They could face high litigation fees as they seek a legal settlement on their issues. It is important to note that couples who have not shared responsibilities, debts, assets, or children may not require a separation agreement, as there are no terms that need to be agreed to.  

The legally binding nature of the separation agreement contract means that there is no confusion between the spouses after the divorce. If a former spouse fails to meet their obligations as agreed in the contract, you can use the separation agreement to refer to the Family Responsibility Office, regarding issues such as spousal support payment or child parenting time, for example. The separation agreement is fully enforceable like a court order. 

Should I hire a lawyer for separation agreements?

We strongly recommend that you seek legal advice between signing a separation agreement. A lawyer can help to understand the terms and settlements stated in the agreement. They can also provide support to protect your rights and ensure that the contract remains clear, reasonable, and properly written. Spouses can choose to write the separation agreement themselves, however, this could affect its impact. Indeed, due to the legally binding nature of the agreement, it is in both spouses' interests to use legal advisors. 

When spouses choose to work with a lawyer, they can't share the same lawyer. It is common practice for one spouse's lawyer to prepare the agreement and the other lawyer to provide independent legal advice. 

Lawyers will also help during the negotiation process while spouses work through the different terms and items to settle. Lawyers and their respective clients can choose to engage in a collaborative negotiation approach when they work together toward reaching an agreement. This approach requires both spouses and lawyers to agree that no one will go to court or threaten to go to court. However, spouses can also reach out to a trained family law mediator to help progress through some of the negotiation problems. 

Preparing the separation agreement

The preparation of the separation agreement is crucial for it to be recognized by the courts. Typically, courts will refuse separation agreements that are: 

• Based on incorrect or incomplete information, 
• Not in the best interest of the children,
• Unreasonably unfair. 

As such, the preparation phase will ensure that the spouses produce an acceptable separation agreement for the court. Therefore, the period will be used to research and list all the assets for each spouse. Spouses should provide an honest list of all the assets and income, jointly and independently owned, including their estimated value. This can take time so it is best to document each item. The separation agreement becomes invalid if it is discovered that spouses have not disclosed all their assets. 

Whether spouses choose to write the agreement themselves or not, they will need a competent adult to act as a witness. 

You will need to prepare at least two copies of the contract so that each spouse can have a copy. 

How long do separation agreements last?

Separation agreements are permanent in theory. However, typically the agreement lasts only until all issues are settled. The separation agreement will define the duration in terms of child or spousal support. If child support payments are made to last until the youngest child turns 18, this will also be the duration of the agreement. 

It is also fair to say that separation agreement terms can be reviewed when there's a significant material change in circumstances, such as loss of income for the payor. 

If you want to find out more about drafting your separation agreements or if you need legal advice to negotiate through the terms, do not hesitate to get in touch with our family law experts at Verhaeghe Law Office, in Edmonton AB.