MSA Review
Before You Sign the Agreement, Have an Experienced Attorney Review and Analyze It
Utilize our experience to ensure the proposed marital settlement agreement is properly drafted and includes the agreements you’ve negotiated.
Schedule a Free ConsultationMarital Settlement Agreements
Marital Settlement Agreements, also known as MSAs, are used to settle the issues of a divorce or legal separation case. MSAs typically include custody and visitation orders, support orders and asset and debt division orders. Consequently, MSAs, which attach to the final judgment, have long-term ramifications.
If you’re considering signing an MSA that was provided to you by your spouse, your spouse’s attorney or cobbled together from an online template, it’s important to make sure what you’re signing does what you intend it to do.
Scope of Review
MSA
We’ll review each clause to ensure the marital settlement agreement is properly drafted and includes the terms you’ve negotiated.
Financial Disclosures
We’ll compare the financial disclosures you’ve exchanged against the proposed MSA.
Initial Pleadings and Prior Orders
We’ll review the original pleadings and prior orders to ensure they’re consistent with the proposed MSA.
Services Provided
Annotated MSA
Inline comments on each clause that needs your attention.
Written Summary
A written memo summarizing our findings after review.
Remote Video Conference
A follow up video-conference after our review to discuss our findings after review.
Family Law Representation Available in All California Counties
About Dan
Dan Sweeney
20+ Year California Family Law Attorney | Extensive Experience Handling Complex Cases
Former Manager of the San Diego County Superior Court Family Law Facilitator’s Office
Convenient, Remote, Video Conference Sessions Across California
MSA Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Should I review the MSA even if my spouse and I agree on everything?+
Yes. A bad MSA causes problems even when the parties agree on the underlying terms, because the language may not actually achieve what you both intended.
What if I find problems after I already signed?+
An executed MSA can be set aside in some circumstances, but that it is significantly easier to deal with MSA issues before it is signed and filed with the court. If you’ve signed an MSA that is now problematic, schedule a free consultation so we can discuss your options.
Can you negotiate changes for me?+
Our MSA reviews are limited to direct consultation with our clients, so no, we can’t negotiate changes with your spouse directly. If you need help negotiating a settlement, that’s something we help with, but in a more traditional representation arrangement.
Will this delay our divorce?+
Our reviews are conducted within a few business days, so there shouldn’t be any material delay to your case. Remember, this is important, so a little time to ensure what you’re signing matches with your expectations is time well spent.
What if my spouse’s attorney drafted the MSA?+
Then a review is more important, not less. The drafting attorney’s job was to protect your spouse. Your job is to know what is in the document before you sign it.
Have Your Marital Settlement Agreement Reviewed before You Sign
Your Marital Settlement Agreement could impact you and your family for years to come. Be smart and have an experienced attorney review and analyze it before signing.
Schedule a Free Consultation