5 Advantages of a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) in a Florida Divorce
If you and your spouse want to get divorced in the State of Florida, you have the option of drafting and signing a Marital Settlement Agreement, which is also known as an MSA.
While an increasing number of couples in Florida are opting for a Marital Settlement Agreement when filing for the dissolution of marriage, an MSA may not be the right solution for every divorce.
It is important to consult with an Orlando divorce attorney to discuss the advantages of signing a Marital Settlement Agreement and whether you could benefit from an MSA in your unique case.
What is a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)?
The agreement lays out all the terms and conditions associated with your divorce. Provisions contained in the Marital Settlement Agreement vary from one divorce case to another. Often, MSAs address alimony and the distribution of marital assets and debts.
Most courts in the State of Florida require that an MSA is filed along with a petition of simplified dissolution of marriage. It is advised to seek legal counsel from a divorce attorney to help you negotiate the terms of the MSA and complete the marital settlement agreement form when filing for divorce.
Advantages of a Marital Settlement Agreement in Florida
We have listed five major advantages of creating a marital settlement agreement:
- More Control
When it comes to traditional divorce litigation, you and your spouse do not have much say or control over the outcome of your divorce case. When creating a Marital Settlement Agreement, on the other hand, you get to control every aspect of the outcome.
- Simplified Dissolution
If you and your spouse are capable of negotiating a mutually acceptable divorce settlement, you can file for a simplified dissolution of marriage in the State of Florida. In most courts, one of the requirements of filing for a simplified dissolution is that you need a Marital Settlement Agreement.
Note: Filing for a simplified dissolution of marriage allows you to expedite the divorce process if you are represented by an experienced divorce lawyer in Orlando.
- Less Conflict
Creating a Marital Settlement Agreement allows you to finalize your divorce in a less adversarial way. If you and your spouse agree on the terms of the agreement – with or without a divorce attorney – you can minimize or avoid conflict during the proceedings.
- Reduce the Cost of Divorce
By drafting an MSA, you and your spouse get to avoid the litigation process, which allows you to reduce the cost of your divorce and settle your divorce case fairly quickly.
- Have a Legally-Binding Agreement
A Marital Settlement Agreement is a legally binding and enforceable contract, which gives the parties peace of mind knowing that their ex-spouse will be legally required to adhere to the MSA’s terms and conditions.
With the right strategy and a supportive divorce attorney on your side, you can negotiate a Marital Settlement Agreement in your best interest. Schedule a consultation with our Orlando divorce attorney at Donna Hung Law Group to determine whether creating an MSA is the right decision in your specific situation. Call at 407-999-0099 today.
