Your best possible alternative to an adversarial proceeding.

Through the use of privately made Agreements, you and your spouse (or other parent) can keep control over your divorce/family law issues, avoiding having them be decided by a well-meaning, but extremely busy, judge. A judge is bound by the law and, unlike you, lacks the knowledge of what will work best for your family. In family law, Agreements can be reached on your schedule, at your pace, and be tailored specifically to your needs, causing minimal stress and expense when compared to litigation. Mediation support, divorce negotiation, and collaborative practice can be exceptionally useful strategies to come to an acceptable Agreement between all parties.

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What Are Some Of The Most Common Types Of Agreements?

Marital Settlement, Prenuptial, Separation Agreements.

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Marital Settlement Agreements (also called Property Settlement Agreements or Matrimonial Settlement Agreements) contain all the terms of your divorce. They cover the distribution of assets and liabilities, alimony, child custody and parenting time, child support, and all the other terms you need to finalize your divorce. Marital Settlement Agreements are often fairly lengthy and provide for many obligations, waivers, and protections. A Marital Settlement Agreement becomes effective once it is signed by both spouses, not when your divorce is finalized.

Prenuptial Agreements allow marrying individuals to define their obligations and protections in advance of their marriage. Wealthy individuals use Prenuptial Agreements to protect their assets from the risks of divorce. Individuals with prior families use them to set aside assets for their first family in the event of divorce. Individuals with premarital businesses, residences, or other assets that they wish to remain separate in case of divorce can use Prenuptial Agreements to define these rights. Most individuals who enter into a Prenuptial Agreement wish to determine their rights and responsibilities in advance of the marriage so that, in the case of a divorce, the outcome will be clearer. Prenuptial Agreements become effective on the day the marriage takes place.

Separation Agreements allow couples to live separate and apart and, if necessary, set spousal support (alimony), child support, and possibly divide assets and liabilities. Separation Agreements allow spouses to stay legally married (for health insurance purposes, for example) and may be converted into Matrimonial Settlement Agreements if the parties ultimately divorce. Reconciliation Agreements make certain provisions if the couple reconciles. Please keep in mind that a “legal separation” does not exist in New Jersey. Instead, you will have to file for a Divorce from Bed and Board.

Keith Family Law is a full-service family law practice in Westfield, New Jersey that serves clients from Union County, Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, Hunterdon County, Somerset County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Warren County.

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What Is The Difference Between Agreements And Orders?

Marital Settlement Agreements, are made privately. Orders, including Consent Orders, are made publicly.

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Consent Orders are a type of Agreement. Both parties agree to terms and submit the Consent Order to the court to be filed. In this way, individuals can agree on modifying child custody, child support, alimony, and resolve any other divorce and family law issue long after their divorce, such as each party’s contribution to pay for their children going to college.

Marital Settlement Agreements and Consent Orders are enforceable by the courts if someone is in default or violation of your Agreement or Consent Order.

The process of reaching Agreements can be very complex. There are many nuances and pitfalls in drafting them, and the language must be very specific to protect your interests and accurately capture the terms. If you have questions regarding your specific Agreement or enforcement issue, or any other areas of divorce and family law, please feel free to contact Keith Family Law for a legal consult. We will provide you with individualized legal counsel with one of our family lawyers. Ideally, you may find a reasonable way to come to an Agreement through negotiation, mediation, or the Collaborative Law process. A collaboratively trained attorney can help you work together through collaborative practice to come to a mutually satisfactory Agreement.

Keith Family Law is a full-service family law practice in Westfield, New Jersey that serves clients from Union County, Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, Hunterdon County, Somerset County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, and Warren County.

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Testimonials

““I’ll put it simply – I could go on and on about how great she was
and how important the efforts and professionalism of a divorce attorney are, but truthfully,
I couldn’t have had a better person working for me.””

Michael

“"I felt that my Keith Family Law ALWAYS HAD MY BACK!!!"”

Annette Beshar

““Not only did Ms. Keith help me resolve my case (in my favor) but she also helped me understand what I needed to do for myself and for my child to keep our lives moving forward in a positive direction. I would highly recommend Ms. Keith to anyone!””

Kat

“"Heather is the absolute best. She helped me navigate a very painful divorce process with professionalism and patience."”

Elizabeth Graner

“"Lawyers often get a bad rap for being heartless and cold. In my experience with Heather Keith she is direct opposite of that. Yes you pay her to take care of your legal issues, which by the way she does with a great deal of skill, but you don't pay her to care about you as a human. This is where Heather sets herself apart. Divorce is hard and emotional. Heather helps guide you through the process with strength and support. Even when she is telling you unpleasant truths about your situation it always feels as if she understands all of your concerns. I cannot state more strongly how talented and human this woman is. In two words: hire her."”

Jody Ebert

“"I have worked with Heather on and off for years and couldn't have asked for someone better to be in my corner. Heather and the entire staff at Keith Family Law Group made what I was going through much easier. Heather has always answered any questions I had, she is honest and doesn't beat around the bush. She's fantastic and I'm very grateful I found her!"”

Kathryn Pacelli