Hi hubby,
It's best to sit down and go through everything that you and your spouse may have to deal with in regards to the separation, such as the issues I mentioned in my previous post. Sometimes, however, issues are missed or the parties find it difficult to communicate with each other. If communication is an issue, that parties may want to consider writing down their own position on each issue, exchanging outlines with each other and negotiating from there.
Some law firms provide their clients with an information form to fill out for the purposes of drafting a separation agreement, so the information form can be used as a guideline as to what you and your spouse must discuss. But, to start, here is an idea of the kinds of issues that would need to be dealt with:
Custody and access
Joint custody or sole custody
Primary residence
Access
Holidays
Removing child from jurisdiction
Changing name of children
Passports
Grandparent visitation
School commitments and extra-curricular activities (lessons etc.)
Equalization of assets
Matrimonial home
Personal property
Motor vehicles
RRSPs
Investments and savings
Employment and pension benefits
Canada pension plan
Other property
Debts
Property prior to marriage
Equalization payment
Income tax issues
Spousal support
Release of spousal support
Amount of support
Term of support
Cost-of-living adjustments
To keep costs down, the more prepared you are before arranging for a separation agreement to be drafted, the better. But, there are some issues that simply cannot be agreed upon. If that is the case, the parties may want to consider mediation or negotiation through counsel.
Lindsay