Marital Dissolution Agreements FAQ
August 26, 2023
Home » Insights »

Marital Dissolution Agreements FAQ

A Marital Dissolution Agreement (MDA) is a divorce agreement, or divorce settlement agreement, in which two spouses agree to the division of their property or assets and agree to get divorced. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts has a form for a marital dissolution agreement on its website. The MDA lists each parent’s personal property that they shall keep after the divorce. It also includes the debts that each party will assume after the divorce. The MDA must be signed by both parties and notarized. The judge hearing the divorce will have to approve the MDA before the divorce is approved and finalized.

Can a martial dissolution agreement also deal with alimony and child support?

Yes, an MDA can also settle the amount of alimony and child support that one party will pay the other. Alimony is often a hotly contested item during a divorce proceeding, but agreements certainly can be reached on these matters as well. Parties under the MDA can agree to pay more than the Child Support Guidelines provide.

Is a marital dissolution agreement a contract?

Yes, a Marital Dissolution Agreement can be a valid contract that is legally enforceable. The Tennessee Court of Appeals has explained that “a marital dissolution agreement may be enforceable as a contract even if one of the parties withdraws consent prior to the entry of judgment by the trial court, so long as the agreement is otherwise a validly enforceable contract.” If you are considering filing for divorce, or have been served with divorce papers, then you need an experienced family law attorney to help you during this difficult process.

What happens if an MDA is approved?

If an MDA is approved, it is incorporated into the final divorce decree. This means that the MDA establishes the legal rights and obligations of each party after the divorce becomes finalized. The terms of the MDA may include provisions that provide for attorney’s fees to be paid by the other side if that party violates the terms of the MDA.
This is why it is so essential for a person to be represented by an attorney during the MDA process. The MDA governs the key aspects of the divorce process, and you need an attorney to ensure your interests are well represented.

Family law attorney Tiffany Hagar of the Lebanon-based law firm Hagar & Phillips can represent you during your divorce and help you draft a proposed Marital Dissolution Agreement.

Questions about Marital Dissolution Agreements?

For reliable legal counsel in Lebanon, TN, and surrounding middle Tennessee counties, look no further than Hagar & Phillips. Whether handling divorce proceedings or discussing the division of assets, our experienced attorneys are here to help. Reach out to us at https://hplawtn.com/contact/ to schedule a consultation today!

About Hagar & Phillips, Attorneys at Law, PLLC

Hagar & Phillips, Attorneys at Law (H&P) is a law firm with over 30 years of experience serving the city of Lebanon, Wilson County, and surrounding counties. The attorneys in Lebanon, TN, focus on exceeding clients’ expectations. Practice areas include Family Law, Criminal Defense, Healthcare Law, Estates, Adoption, Mediation, and Civil Litigation.

Additional Resources:

Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.

The information provided on this blog is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the blog content. Any reliance on this information is at your own risk. This blog may discuss legal topics, but for advice specific to your situation, consult a qualified attorney. We do not assume responsibility for actions taken based on the information herein. We are not liable for any losses or damages resulting from the use of this blog. Links to other websites are not endorsements, and technical issues may affect blog availability. By using this blog, you agree to this disclaimer. Hagar Phillips Attorneys At Law
Recent Articles |  View All
Acadia Healthcare Settlement
Acadia Healthcare, a Franklin-based company, has reached a $20 million settlement with the U.S Department of Justice (DOJ). The company was the subject of a New York Times investigation earlier this month and had been accused of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid.
Read Post
Gun Violence Executive Order
President Joe Biden signed an executive order last week aimed at limiting access to machine gun conversion devices and 3D-printed guns, as well as improving active-shooter drills in schools.
Read Post
Lebanon TN DUI Attorney
We've assembled a new FAQ document to help you understand some common questions about DUI. We work hard to protect your rights. With decades of combined staff experience, we are the local trusted law firm in Lebanon, TN, for DUI defense. Contact our law office directly to discuss your case: 615-784-4588.‍
Read Post