A Maine marital separation agreement form is a legal document that married couples use to outline the conditions of the separation and their obligations during the separation period.
Spouses who choose to live apart but are still married can do so under this agreement. Similar to divorce, a separation agreement form must be submitted to the court and approved by the judge.
Is a Separation Agreement Legal in Maine?
Yes, a separation agreement is legal in Maine. Legal separation allows couples to live separately but still have the benefits of marriage.
Laws and Legal Requirements for a Marital Separation Agreement in Maine
The laws and legal requirements for a marital separation agreement in Maine are defined in Section 851 of the Maine Legislature, which states:
Laws and Legal Requirements
The court can grant a separation decree if one spouse has been living separately from the other spouse for at least 60 days and files a petition
Spouses can file for separation in the county where they last lived together
The court can order one spouse to pay the legal fees of the other spouse
The court can decide on matters related to child support and healthcare
The court can determine how marital property is divided
Signing Requirements for a Marital Separation Agreement in Maine
The signing requirements for a marital separation agreement in Maine are that it must be in writing and that both spouses must sign it voluntarily. Although it is not necessary, divorcing parties may choose to have the agreement notarized to increase security.
What Does a Marital Separation Agreement in Maine Cover?
A marital separation agreement in Maine covers various aspects of married couples’ separation. One of the first things spouses should introduce in a separation agreement template is marital property.
Real estate, personal belongings, or investments should be divided in a way that is satisfactory to both sides. Secondly, if children are part of a marriage, then matters like custody, visitation arrangements, and child support should be addressed.
The agreement may also cover matters such as spousal support. It should specify the amount, frequency of payments, and for how long the support will last.
However, some aspects of a marital separation agreement should not be covered. For example, debts that are made after the separation. Also, future inheritance should not be addressed in a separation agreement.