Typically, all of a married couple’s assets, both community and separate, are subject to equitable distribution should they divorce. However, Washington law allows married couples to enter into separation contracts before filing for divorce to protect their assets.

Separation contracts, which are signed while a couple is still married, can provide for maintenance payments or divisions of property, just as the terms of divorce can, and can also provide for a parenting plan for a couple’s children should they decide to separate, but not to immediately divorce. This may be an option for a couple experiencing difficulties in their marriage and that wants to be prepared in the event that they can’t work things out.

If a couple does ultimately decide to dissolve their marriage, only a parenting plan will need to be approved by a court, and the rest of the terms of the separation contract can be immediately adopted into a final divorce decree.

Keep your personal assets protected and call the experienced divorce attorneys at Crouse Erickson today.