A domestic contract is a great way to protect your family in the event of a separation or divorce. A domestic contract, also known as a family law agreement, is a private agreement negotiated and tailored to your family’s needs. 

There are several types of domestic contracts to suit your needs. A Separation Agreement is an agreement entered into after a separation has occurred, the terms of which may resolve all issues arising from separation or divorce such as parenting, support and property division. In the case of a Cohabitation Agreement or a Marriage Contract, these are agreements that set out terms that the parties will abide by and that are intended to apply in the event of a future breakdown of the relationship. Cohabitation Agreements and Marriage Contracts can be entered into at any point prior to a separation, whether that is at the beginning of, before or during cohabitation or marriage. 

Domestic Contracts are legally binding contracts. This means that if you do not follow the terms of the agreement, then you may be taken to court and ordered to comply, pay damages or face other consequences. It is important to make sure that you understand the terms of the agreement you are entering into. There are many ways a family lawyer can assist you with a domestic contract, including: 

• Negotiating a fair and reasonable agreement.
• Educating you on the terms you are agreeing to.
• Drafting the agreement so that it meets the formal requirements and is legally binding.
• Varying the terms of a domestic contract.
• Enforcing a domestic contract.