Do I need a lawyer to sign my separation agreement?
Both spouses sign. A lawyer isn't likely to sign your separation agreement. You can consider our preferred source, the Martindale website, for an attorney referral.
Just keep in mind that a lawyer may review it on behalf of one of you, but not both, because that would be a conflict of interest (ABA Model Rule 1.7). But that would be different than signing it. Only you and your wife should sign the separation agreement.
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My wife and I want a legal separation, and we were looking for a lawyer to help us sign the document.
I understand that you and your wife are looking to separate. Have you both agreed on all the terms of the separation?
Yes, we both agreed and built the form. We need a fast response because she's leaving for Puerto Rico this Thursday.
Are there any specific assets or debts that you need assistance dividing as part of the legal separation?
No, each of us will keep our own debt, like we talked about before marriage.
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
We have also agreed on a child support arrangement.
Hello! I’m a family law expert here to assist you with your legal separation. It sounds like you and your wife have everything well-prepared, and I’m here to help answer your legal questions. Are you looking for a referral list? Generally, a lawyer doesn't need to sign an agreement unless they represent one of you.
It’s because we want to have a lawyer sign too, so it’s like an official document between us.
A lawyer can only sign if they represent one of you. And if they didn't prepare the agreement, it's unlikely they would. Additionally, a lawyer cannot represent both parties.
So we both just sign?
Both spouses sign. A lawyer isn't likely to sign your separation agreement. You can consider our preferred source, the Martindale website, for an attorney referral.
Just keep in mind that a lawyer may review it on behalf of one of you, but not both, because that would be a conflict of interest (ABA Model Rule 1.7). But that would be different than signing it. Only you and your wife should sign the separation agreement.
I appreciate the help.
My pleasure. Good luck to you.
