• Blog
  • Publications
  • Testimonials
West Coast ADR Law Group Balanced Solutions
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Publications
  • Safe Exit
CALL TODAY
604-531-9494
  • Home
  • Services
    Divorce And Separation Mediation LawyersChild Custody And Support MediationProperty And Asset Division MediationFamily Law Mediation Vs. Family Law LitigationFamily Law Mediation Vs. Collaborative Family LawFamily Law Arbitration Vs. LitigationThe Family Law Mediation ProcessIs Family Law Mediation Right For Me?Family Law Med-Arb: Mediation And Arbitration CombinedFamily Law Act: Out-Of-Court Alternatives
  • About
    About UsBalanced SolutionsCharitable EffortsResources
  • Our Team
  • FAQs
    FAQ – Med ArbFAQ – ArbitrationFAQ – Mediation
  • Contact

Do We Have to Have a Formal Separation Agreement?

November 12, 2015 by West Coast ADR

While many people may believe that a divorce or separation always has to be a contentious process, this isn’t actually true. Every year, couples across Canada are able to work together to come up with separation agreements that outline the provisions for how their property will be divided and how child custody issues will be settled. While most people are more familiar with the concept of a formal court order, some couples may choose to have an informal separation agreement.

Those who are interested in going this route need to make sure they take the time to fully understand how informal separation agreements work and what happens when the parties no longer agree on the terms. For couples separating on fairly good terms, it’s common to try to collaborate as much as possible at first on visitation schedules for the children and other similar issues. You and your ex may decide on who will get the children when, how holidays will be spent and who will pay for which portions of the child-related expenses.

However, as time moves on, changes in your life or your ex-partner’s may make these informal arrangements impossible to continue. Some common issues that occur are one party moving or starting a new relationship. When this happens, you may find that you are no longer able to agree on how to handle your post-separation issues.

Informal separation agreements can only be changed if both parties agree. If you are unable to reach a new agreement, you will need to bring the issue before the family courts so a judge can decide what is in the best interests of the child moving forward.

Source: Family Law in British Columbia, “Making an agreement after you separate,” accessed Nov. 12, 2015

Previous Post Next Post

Recent Posts

  • Consider Including Grandparents In Divorce Mediation
  • Mediation Puts The Future In Divorcing Couples’ Own Hands
  • Choosing Mediation After Filing For Divorce
  • Mediation May Be Best Way To Divide Treasured Items & Pets
  • Pre-Planning For Holidays During Mediation Could Save The Day

Archives

  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015

Categories

  • Arbitration
  • Collaborative Law
  • Mediation
All Services
Family Law Act: Out-Of-Court Alternatives
Family Law Med-Arb: Mediation And Arbitration Combined
Is Family Law Mediation Right For Me?
The Family Law Mediation Process
Family Law Arbitration Vs. Litigation
Family Law Mediation Vs. Collaborative Family Law
Family Law Mediation Vs. Family Law Litigation
Property And Asset Division Mediation
Child Custody And Support Mediation
Divorce And Separation Mediation Lawyers
West Coast ADR Law Group Balanced Solutions

Copyright © 2025 Westcoast ADR Law Group All Rights Reserved

Call Us Today
604-531-9494
Email Us
Connect with Us
Our Location
New Westminster Office
10th Floor - 900 Quayside Drive
New Westminster, BC V3M 6G2
West Coast ADR Law Group Balanced Solutions

Copyright © 2025 Westcoast ADR Law Group All Rights Reserved