These issues are often resolved within a negotiated agreement called a Separation Agreement. Careful structuring of such a settlement, after proper exchange of financial information, is crucial, as these agreements can affect all parties for a potentially lengthy period into the future.

The umbrella of Family Law can also encompass other diverse topics that affect the family unit such as spousal and child abuse issues, the drafting of Cohabitation of Prenuptial Contracts, as well as claims made to an estate by dependants.

All of these issues can be litigated within a courtroom context, but increasingly, parties are seeking creative ways to fashion their own settlements, either within a negotiated, mediated or collaborative law context.