The separation agreement undergoes legal review before being signed and finalized by both parties.
After a mediator completes the draft separation agreement, several important steps must occur to make it legally binding. The process typically involves:
- Independent Legal Review – Each spouse should have their own lawyer review the agreement to protect their individual interests
- Requested Revisions – Lawyers may suggest changes to ensure the agreement is fair and legally sound
- Final Modifications – The mediator incorporates any agreed-upon changes into the final version
- Formal Signing – Both parties sign the agreement in the presence of witnesses
- Legal Filing – The signed agreement may be filed with the court for additional enforceability
Once properly executed, the separation agreement becomes a legally binding contract that both parties must follow.