Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers | January 14, 2026 | Divorce in Bergen County, NJ
Divorce is often one of the most emotionally and financially challenging experiences in a person’s life. In New Jersey, couples navigating the dissolution of their marriage can greatly benefit from a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)—a legally binding contract that outlines how key issues are resolved outside of prolonged litigation.
An MSA typically addresses important topics such as division of marital property and debts, spousal support, child custody, parenting time, child support, and more.
While not strictly required in every divorce, an MSA can offer significant advantages that help simplify the process and protect both parties’ interests.
1. Greater Control Over the Outcome
One of the strongest advantages of an MSA is that divorcing spouses have control over the terms rather than leaving important decisions to a judge. From property distribution and spousal support to parenting time and child support, you and your spouse can negotiate terms that reflect your unique situation, needs, and priorities. This collaborative decision-making helps ensure outcomes both parties can live with.
2. Reduced Time and Cost
Court battles are expensive and time-consuming. When spouses reach an agreement on key matters through an MSA, they often avoid the need for multiple court hearings and extended litigation. This not only saves money on attorney fees and court costs but also shortens the emotional strain associated with a prolonged divorce process.
3. Clarity and Peace of Mind
Divorce often brings uncertainty, stress, and concern about the future. A Marital Settlement Agreement helps ease those worries by clearly defining each spouse’s rights and responsibilities in a single, comprehensive document. By addressing critical issues such as finances, property division, parenting time, and support obligations in advance, an MSA removes much of the guesswork from life after divorce.
Having everything in writing reduces the likelihood of misunderstandings or disputes later on. Instead of relying on verbal agreements or assumptions, both parties can refer to the MSA for guidance when questions arise. This clarity can be especially valuable when co-parenting, managing shared financial obligations, or planning long-term goals following the divorce.
4. Likelihood of Court Approval
Once signed by both spouses and submitted to the court, an MSA is normally incorporated into the Final Judgment of Divorce and becomes enforceable as a court order. Judges often approve agreements that are entered into voluntarily and fairly, meaning an MSA can help streamline the finalization of your divorce.
5. Flexibility for Future Changes
While some provisions—like property division—are often final once approved, other terms in an MSA (such as child support or custody arrangements) can be modified later if life circumstances change. This flexibility allows the agreement to adapt to shifting needs over time while still reflecting the foundation you established together.
Life circumstances rarely stay the same, and a well-crafted Marital Settlement Agreement recognizes that reality. Changes such as job loss, career advancement, relocation, remarriage, or shifts in a child’s needs can all impact existing arrangements. In New Jersey, certain provisions can be modified when a substantial change in circumstances occurs, allowing the agreement to remain fair and workable over time.
Contact the Hackensack Divorce Attorneys at Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers for Help Today
Choosing to negotiate a Marital Settlement Agreement in a New Jersey divorce can make a meaningful difference in both the process and the outcome. By clearly defining each party’s rights and responsibilities, a Marital Settlement Agreement serves as a roadmap for life after divorce and helps reduce uncertainty, conflict, and future disputes.
An MSA can give you more control, reducing cost and conflict, and providing legal clarity. It can also lay the foundation for a smoother transition into your next chapter. If you’re considering an MSA in your divorce, contact the experienced team at Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers, who can help you navigate each step of the process with confidence and care.
Contact the experienced family attorneys at Arons & Solomon Divorce Lawyers today for legal assistance. Visit our law office in Bergen County or give us a call at (201) 487-1199 to schedule a free consultation with our team.
Bergen County Law Office
1 University Plaza Dr #400, Hackensack, NJ 07601, United States