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WHAT IS AN "MSA"?

MSA stands for Marriage Settlement Agreement, which is a contract that settles a divorce and contractually obligates a divorcing couple to such things as dividing property, custody, paying child support or alimony, or any other issue that may be addressed in a divorce contract. Contrary to popular belief, this information is usually NOT outlined in the divorce decree itself in PA - it is outlined in a separate document and may or may not be mentioned in the decree itself.

To get a divorce in PA, you need a few main things: The FIRST is to file a Complaint in Divorce and to follow through the process to eventually obtain a decree in divorce. The SECOND is an Order of Court or a Contract that dictates how you are going to handle all of the issues that came up with your divorce, such as dividing property, alimony, etc. This goes along with the decree in divorce.

Divorcing couples can decide what to put in an MSA (the contract) or an Order of Court either on their own, through a process such as mediation or collaborative law, through attorneys' negotiation, or by a Court through litigation and hearings or trial.

With our various bundled options, you will see that some include an MSA and some do not. It stands to reason that if a divorcing couple DOES NOT have joint property, separate property, or alimony issues, or any other issues to address in a contract, and if they agree to a divorce, that they might want to forego an MSA. You can get a divorce without an MSA. This is not the norm, and we find in most cases that an MSA is advisable.

The options that include an MSA are for clients who already know and who have figured out with their spouse what they want to put in an MSA. If the divorcing couple can't figure out what needs to go in the MSA, then they might want to consider mediation, or if that won't work, then these bundled options are not appropriate for the client.

However, you don't have to figure this out on your own. When you purchase a service and schedule an appointment with our staff, we will help you decide if the service will be appropriate for you, and we will make sure that whatever you choose fits your needs as you explain them to us.

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At Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C., your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “Bethany was very knowledgeable and professional throughout the process and helped us to settle our divorce in a fair and expedient manner.”
    A divorce is never easy. However the process can be made easier when you have an attorney who helps you through every step of the process with expert guidance. Bethany was very knowledgeable and professional throughout the process and helped us to settle our divorce in a fair and expedient manner.
    - Former Client
    “Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C. has been with me every step of the way, helping me through a very emotional and complex case.”

    I have had an ongoing custody issue for several years and Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C. has been with me every step of the way, helping me through a very emotional and complex case. I would highly recommend Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C.!

    - Former Client
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    Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C. represented me for my divorce case last year. When you have a divorce, there are a lot of things filed, phone calls, and meetings with your attorney. I found Attorney Notaro and the other attorneys in the office to be quick with returning my calls and I appreciated that they walked me through everything. I would recommend!

    - Former Client
    “Awesome experience”
    Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C. and their staff turned a potentially awful and complicated situation into a completely different experience. They were awesome!
    - Former Client
    “Understanding and sympathetic.”
    Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C. provided intelligent and capable service. The team was understanding and sympathetic, relieving my anxiety by ensuring everything was in good hands. I felt trust and confidence in them, knowing they had my best interests at heart.
    - Former Client
    “Bethany's invaluable service allowed for me to have the smoothest experience possible.”
    Bethany's invaluable service allowed for me to have the smoothest experience possible. Her professionalism and understanding of what I wanted as an end result was critical during a difficult time.
    - Former Client
    “Made a difficult situation bearable”
    I have used Notaro Epstein Family Law Group, P.C. several times over the years. The team is always professional and capable, with a great fund of knowledge in the field. Understanding and sympathetic staff made a difficult situation bearable. Highly recommend to friends.
    - Former Client

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