Document background
An Official Separation Agreement is a crucial legal document used when married or common-law couples in Canada decide to live separately but are not yet pursuing divorce. This document, governed by both federal legislation (primarily the Divorce Act) and provincial family law statutes, establishes legally binding arrangements for various aspects of the separation. It typically includes detailed provisions for property division, support obligations, child custody and access arrangements, and the division of financial responsibilities. The agreement serves multiple purposes: it provides clarity and certainty for both parties, can be used as a foundation for future divorce proceedings, and may help avoid costly litigation. The document must be carefully drafted to ensure compliance with all applicable Canadian laws and should be reviewed by independent legal counsel for each party to ensure enforceability.
