Niki learns about making a separation agreement and finds online help.
If you find yourself in this position, you can get help from these resources:
Write your own separation agreement
How to write a legally binding separation agreement if you're going through separation and/or divorce.
Separation
Information about what separation is for married and common-law couples. Includes what to take when you leave and why to make a separation agreement.
Making an agreement after you separate
Information about how to write, file, change, and/or enforce a separation agreement about your family law issues such as parenting arrangements and financial support.
Living Together or Living Apart
Explains the basics of family law in BC, separation and divorce, and how to work out child and spousal support
Transcript:
Panel 1: Niki sitting at kitchen table, Yasmin at the counter
Niki: Thanks for taking me in as a roomie, Yasmin, now that Donny is staying in the apartment after all.
Panel 2: Yasmin pouring tea
Yasmin: Of course, Niki. Finding a place to live is pretty much the first step when you separate.
Panel 3: Yasmin passing Niki some tea
Niki: It’s the next steps I’m not sure about – do I have to wait a year to do anything?
Panel 4: Niki and Yasmin sitting at table, drinking tea
Yasmin: You have to wait a year until you can get divorced, but my sister Neda did lots in the meantime.
Panel 5:
Niki: Like what? I don’t have money for a lawyer.
Yasmin: You don’t need one. You guys can write down what you want to do, and probably for free.
Panel 6:
Niki: I didn’t think there was anything free when it comes to the law!
Yasmin: It can be – Neda made something online called a separation agreement.
Panel 7:
Niki: What was in it?
Yasmin: You know, all the main decisions about how they’d split up their stuff, handle debts, and take care of the twins.
Panel 8:
Niki: I wouldn’t know how to write about things like that!
Panel 9:
Yasmin: But that’s why it was so helpful. You don’t have to do it from scratch. All the words are there – you just pick and choose!
Panel 10: View of the house
Yasmin: I know it really helped keep things straight and made it easier when it was time to apply for the divorce.
Panel 11:
Niki: Wow, there’s really a website that can do all that for me!?
Panel 12: Niki and Yasmin holding hands
Niki: Thanks so much, Yasmin – you’re giving me a place to stay AND great advice.