Some couples may not be ready to take the final step towards divorce and may opt to become legally separated first. In fact, from a legal perspective, there is not much difference in preparing the documents required to become legally separated than the ones required for a divorce. The separation agreement must discuss essentially the same terms that the divorce does. This means that your separation agreement must contain your agreements as to custody, visitation, child support, alimony and the division of property and assets.

The decisions you make here are very important as they will eventually become the terms of your divorce, so make sure that you are adequately represented by an attorney before signing any documents that make such crucial decisions about your future. Remember, entering into a separation agreement is entirely voluntary – you cannot be forced to sign a separation agreement.