It depends on the lawyer you choose and the complexity of your situation. Lawyers usually charge an hourly rate. You may want to call a few different lawyers and ask what they charge to enter into a separation agreement. A deal can start at around $2,500, but can ultimately cost several thousand dollars. That said, it`s important to keep an eye on when you separate. This affects your rights to divide property, debts and supports. Unless otherwise stated in a cohabitation contract or marriage agreement, the date of separation is usually the day on which: This publication is intended for people who feel comfortable reading and may have legal knowledge. You should consider a separation agreement for the following reasons: Spouses cannot share the same lawyer. To keep legal fees low, a spouse`s lawyer could prepare the deal.

Then, the other spouse can consult a lawyer for independent legal advice on the matter. Get a plan to help you deal with separation and divorce, abuse and domestic violence, foreclosure or wills, and personal planning. If you own properties other than your home (for example. B a car, a holiday home or investments), a separation agreement may also cover the division of these assets. The Unbundled Legal Services website can help you find a lawyer who can review a draft of your separation agreement and give you independent legal advice. It`s a good idea to seek legal help before drafting your agreement and before signing it. A family law lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and obligations before finalizing your agreement. See also What is independent legal advice? for more information. If a spouse dies before a separation agreement is signed or before legal proceedings begin, this can have serious repercussions on the division of property and debts. Things can get complicated. They are supposed to be permanent, so most separation agreements last until one or both people die.

Agreements that end earlier will tell. However, child and support agreements may be amended if circumstances change significantly. Another option: both spouses stay in the house until an agreed date or until one of them wants to sell. There are many options, so it`s helpful to get legal advice on your options. Separation agreements can have a serious and lasting impact on your legal rights and obligations. So it`s a good idea to have a lawyer prepare yours if you can. Separation doesn`t always mean a relationship is over forever. Some people go to counseling to try to rebuild their relationship. Married spouses can try to reconcile (reunite) by living together for up to 90 days during the one-year separation period. If they live together for more than 90 days, the clock is reset and a new one-year separation period begins (when they separate again). You`ve probably heard of “legal separation,” but there is none in British Columbia. If you can`t afford a lawyer, family law advisors can draft parenting and support agreements.

You are not required to file your separation agreement in court. However, if you do, you can file an application with the Provincial (Family) Court of British Columbia or the Supreme Court of British Columbia. Submitted agreements that include parenting and support conditions can be enforced as if they were court orders. Your agreement may need to contain more issues than those discussed in this guide. To explore other issues and options, especially if your situation involves a complicated division of property, you should use the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC (CLEBC) Family Law Agreements: Annotated Precedents. There is no “legal separation” in British Columbia. You don`t need to sign papers or see a judge or lawyer to break up. Couples can easily .

split. If you are a low-income parent and are going through a separation or divorce, you may be entitled to up to three hours of free legal advice from a family counselling lawyer. You may be able to get help even if you are not eligible for a legal aid lawyer. If you and your spouse decide to prepare your own agreement, it`s a good idea to seek legal advice before signing. Once signed, the agreement is legally binding and enforceable in court. You don`t need a separation agreement to get a divorce. But if you have children, the court will want to see evidence that reasonable financial arrangements have been made for them. Otherwise, the divorce decree will not be rendered. A free lawyer can give you advice on parenting time, support, and arrangements. A collaborative practice approach can also be used to sort things out. .