Free Mississippi Marital Separation Agreement



The Essentials to a Mississippi Marital Separation

The Mississippi law does not provide for legal separation. It's either you're married or divorced. However, spouses who want to break up without divorce have one option; file for Separate maintenance.

What is Separate Maintenance?

Separate maintenance is spousal support given to the spouse who does not want to end the marriage, but the other spouse has already moved out and is not interested in reconciliation. In this scenario, the judge gives the order to the other spouse to reconcile the marriage or pay for support maintenance until they work things out. However, for a spouse to qualify for this support, they must not be responsible for the separation.

Here is a highlight of some things you should know about marital separation in Mississippi.

Conditions for the Termination of Separate Maintenance Award

A separate maintenance award can be terminated due to the following reasons:

    • Divorce of the couple

    • Death of either party

    • If the couple agrees to reconcile

    • When one party offers to pay separate maintenance, but the other party refuses

Is Separate Maintenance the Same as Spousal Support?

Separate maintenance refers to payments made by one spouse to the other on an ongoing basis, typically to maintain the standard of living during the marriage. It's generally awarded after separation, not divorce. A judge grants it after establishing that the party receiving the support did not directly contribute to the breakup.

On the other hand, Spousal support can be awarded by the court but can still be agreed upon by both parties without the court's involvement. It's awarded after separation or divorce. It is usually considered a last resort and is paid only if it can be demonstrated that money obtained through alimony will compensate for any economic damage caused by the breakup.

To be eligible for alimony, both parties must meet specific eligibility requirements, such as being able to contribute economically towards their own support, having lived apart without cohabitation for at least two years preceding filing for divorce or separation, and not receiving public assistance within three years prior.

Is Separate Maintenance Subject to Income Tax?

No, it is not subject to federal or state taxes.

What is a Maintenance Order in Mississippi Marital Separation?

During a Mississippi marital separation, a maintenance order comes after the case has been heard and determined. The issues to be heard and resolved in a separate maintenance case include custody, child support, spousal support, health insurance, assets, liabilities distribution, right to the marital home, and use of vehicles.

What Are the Accepted Grounds for a Marriage Separation agreement in Mississippi?

The accepted grounds for marriage separation agreement in Mississippi include:

    • Adultery

    • Habitual drunkenness

    • Excessive use of drugs

    • Habitual cruel and inhumane behavior

    • Imprisonment

What is the Cost of Filing for Separation Maintenance in Mississippi?

It costs $158 as court fee to file for separation maintenance in Mississippi

How Long Do You have to be separated before Divorce in Mississippi?

Mississippi has no mandatory separation period before divorcebecause the law does not recognize legal separation. But you'll have to wait for 60 days after filing the divorce to get a divorce in Mississippi. Also, you must be a resident of Mississippi for at least six months to be eligible for divorce.

Understanding the legal requirements for Mississippi legal separation can be challenging. Nevertheless, the good news is that forms.legal offers the much-needed solution to make the process easier. We offer all types of accessible and printable separation agreement forms that may come in handy for your unique situation. Download the free printable form from this website. Then, please fill out the required details accordingly.

Sample Mississippi Marital Separation

SEPARATION AGREEMENT

THIS SEPARATION AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) dated this _____________of _____________, 20___.

BETWEEN:

________________
______________, _____________,
in the State of Mississippi, _____________

-and-

________________
______________, _____________,
in the State of Mississippi, _____________


    BACKGROUND:

  1. ________________ and ________________ (collectively the ‘Parties’ and individually a ‘Party’) were lawfully married on ______________ _________, ____________________, in ______________, Mississippi. Due to certain differences that have developed between the Parties, they agree to live separate and apart from each other, subject to the terms and conditions in this Agreement.
  2. The Parties have made complete, fair and accurate disclosure to each other on all financial matters reflected in this Agreement.
  3. The terms of this Agreement are intended to settle the matters addressed, but it will not be incorporated into a final decree of divorce. The Parties agree that a subsequent separation agreement will have to be made and duly incorporated into a final decree of divorce.
  4. The Parties have each consulted an attorney with regard to his or her legal rights arising out of the marital relationship and the terms of this Agreement.
  5. The Parties have each voluntarily entered into this Agreement and have not been forced by anyone to sign this Agreement, and both Parties confirm that they are in sound mental health.

IN CONSIDERATION OF the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement, and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

    LIVING SEPARATE AND APART

  1. The Parties have lived separate and apart since ________________________________. Neither Party will attend the other’s living space or work without invitation or approval.
  2. CHILDREN

  3. There is one child of the marriage, namely:

    Name:

    Date of Birth:

    ____________________

    _____________ _____________, ____________________

  4. CHILD CUSTODY

  5. The Parties agree that sole legal custody is in the best interests of the child. The Parties agree that ________________ is granted sole legal custody, and has the primary right to decide regarding matters of health, education and welfare in the child’s best interests. ________________ may make emergency decisions affecting the health or safety of the child when the child is in her physical care and control. The Parties agree that the grant of sole legal custody to one Party does not deprive the other Party of access to information regarding the children.
  6. The Parties agree that the child will primarily reside with ________________.
  7. The Parties also agree that ________________ will have the following visitation time with the child:
    1. Regular visitation schedule:
      ______________________________________________
    2. Vacation visitation schedule:
      ______________________________________________
  8. CHILD SUPPORT

  9. ________________ will pay child support in the amount of $_________ monthly to ________________. Child support payments will commence on ____________ and will be paid on the _____ day of each and every month.
  10. ________________ will pay a total of $_____________ monthly to ________________ for the child’s uninsured health care costs, child care costs, and other additional costs, such as __________________________. Child support payments for these expenses will commence on _______________________ and will be paid on the _____ day of each and every month.
  11. The Parties agree that each will provide the other copies of their income tax return and any notices of assessment and re-assessment issued, on an annual basis.
  12. ________________ will maintain health insurances, including medical and dental coverage, for the benefit of ____________________.
  13. Subject to the laws of Mississippi, child support payments, contributions to uninsured health care costs, child care costs, additional costs, and the maintenance of health insurance will continue as long as a child is under the age of majority and financially dependent on the parents.
  14. SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE

  15. Neither Party claims entitlement to spousal maintenance. Both Parties expressly waive any claim to spousal maintenance now and in the future, regardless of any change in circumstances experienced by either Party.

  16. ASSETS

  17. The Parties acknowledge that they have agreed upon a division of all assets, owned or possessed by them as marital property or separate property. The Parties are in possession of all of those assets to which each is respectively entitled. Accordingly, neither makes any claim to any assets in the possession of the other.
  18. DEBTS

  19. The Parties agree that any indebtedness secured against, or attributable to, any item of property that either Party is receiving under this Agreement will be the sole responsibility of the Party receiving the particular property.
  20. Neither Party will incur any further debt or liability on the other Party’s credit. Any debt accumulated as of the date of this Agreement is the debt of the individual Party, regardless if the debt was incurred as a result of joint credit.
  21. GENERAL PROVISIONS

  22. The Parties will promptly sign and give to the other all documents necessary to give effect to the terms of this Agreement.
  23. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the Parties about their relationship with each other. It replaces any earlier written or oral agreement between the Parties.
  24. Should any portion of this Agreement be held by a court of law to be invalid, unenforceable, or void, such holding will not have the effect of invalidating or voiding the remainder of this Agreement, and the Parties agree that the portion so held to be invalid, unenforceable, or void, will be deemed amended, reduced in scope, or otherwise stricken only to the extent required for purposes of validity and enforcement in the jurisdiction of such holding.
  25. The Parties may only amend this Agreement in writing after both Parties have obtained legal advice on the changes.
  26. In the event that a dispute arises regarding this Agreement, the Parties will try to resolve the matter through negotiation or mediation, prior to initiating a court action.
  27. Notwithstanding that the Parties acknowledge and agree that their circumstances at the execution of this Agreement may change for any reason, including but without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the passage of years, it is nonetheless their intention to be bound strictly by the terms of this Agreement at all times.
  28. This Agreement creates a fiduciary relationship between the Parties in which each Party agrees to act with the utmost of good faith and fair dealing toward the other in all aspects of this Agreement.
  29. The Parties agree to provide and execute such further documentation as may be reasonably required to give full force and effect to each term of this Agreement.
  30. The headings of this Agreement form no part of it, and will be deemed to have been inserted for convenience only.
  31. This Agreement will be binding upon and will enure to the benefit of the Parties, their respective heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns.
  32. If the Parties reconcile, the terms of this Agreement will remain in effect unless the Parties revoke it in writing.
  33. This Agreement may only be terminated or amended by the Parties in writing signed by both of them.
  34. The laws of the State of Mississippi will govern the interpretation of this Agreement, and the status, ownership, and division of property between the Parties wherever either or both of them may from time to time reside.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have duly affixed their signatures on this_____________ of _____________, 20___.


SIGNED by ________________
In the presence of:

 
   


______________________________
WITNESS

 
 

______________________________
________________

   

______________________________
WITNESS


SIGNED by ________________
In the presence of:

 
   


______________________________
WITNESS

 
 

______________________________
________________

   

______________________________
WITNESS

ACKNOWLEDGMENT


THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI


COUNTY OF____________________

I, Attorney, within and for said County and State, do certify that on this day came before me, ________________, personally known to me, whose name is signed to the foregoing Separation Agreement and so acknowledged his signatures on this Separation Agreement and that ________________ entered into this Separation Agreement on his own free will and volition without force or duress by any Party.

Given my hand and seal this ___ day of ____________________, 20___.

_____________________________
Attorney

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI

COUNTY OF____________________

I, Attorney, within and for said County and State, do certify that on this day came before me, ________________, personally known to me, whose name is signed to the foregoing Separation Agreement and so acknowledged her signatures on this Separation Agreement and that ________________ entered into this Separation Agreement on her own free will and volition without force or duress by any Party.

Given my hand and seal this ___ day of ____________________,20___.

_____________________________
Attorney

CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE

THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF____________________

I, _______________________________, of the City of ___________________________, in the State of Mississippi, Attorney, DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

THAT I was this day consulted in my professional capacity by ________________, named in the within instrument, being a Separation Agreement, separate and apart from ________________, as to his legal rights and liabilities under the terms and conditions of it, and that I acted solely for him, and explained fully to him the nature and effect of this foregoing Separation Agreement and he did execute it in my presence, and did acknowledge and declare that he was executing it of his own volition and without any fear, threats, compulsion or influence from ________________ or any other person.

DATED at the City of _________________, in the State of Mississippi this ___day of _________, 20___.

 

________________________
Print Name: ____________
Attorney

I, ________________, the person named in the annexed Agreement, hereby acknowledge the foregoing this ____day of ______________20___.

 

________________________
________________

CERTIFICATE OF INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE

THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF____________________

I, _______________________________, of the City of _________________________, in the State of Mississippi, Attorney, DO HEREBY CERTIFY:

THAT I was this day consulted in my professional capacity by ________________, named in the within instrument, being a Separation Agreement, separate and apart from ________________, as to her legal rights and liabilities under the terms and conditions of it, and that I acted solely for her, and explained fully to her the nature and effect of this foregoing Separation Agreement and she did execute it in my presence, and did acknowledge and declare that she was executing it of her own volition and without any fear, threats, compulsion or influence from ________________ or any other person.

DATED at the City of __________________, in the State of Mississippi this ___day of _________, 20___.

 

________________________
Print Name: ____________
Attorney

I, ________________, the person named in the annexed Agreement, hereby acknowledge the foregoing this ______day of ______________20___.

 

________________________
________________

Sample

MS Marital Separation Agreement

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