1. What are the merits of entering into a separation agreement if the couple plan to divorce?

If both parties agree to be bound by the terms, a separation agreement could be a good resolution for couples planning to divorce to transit smoothly into divorce and maintain a harmonious relationship by clearly defining responsibilities. If the agreement has been in place for a significant period of time before the divorce hearing, the court would have difficulty ignoring it or be convinced to order differently from the term of a separation agreement, as the agreement has been working well for both parties before the hearing.