Marriage Agreement

LAW SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA MARRIAGE AGREEMENT
PRACTICE CHECKLISTS MANUAL DRAFTING

7/13 D-4-1
PROVISIONS TO BE CONSIDERED NOTES

INTRODUCTION
Purpose and currency of checklist. This checklist is designed for use with the
CLIENT IDENTIFICATION AND VERIFICATION PROCEDURE (A-1) checklist, the FAMILY
PRACTICE INTERVIEW (D-1) checklist, and the FAMILY LAW AGREEMENT PROCEDURE
(D-2) checklist. This checklist does not include provisions regarding separation,
although they are common in marriage agreements. For the drafting of separation
provisions, refer to the SEPARATION AGREEMENT DRAFTING (D-3) checklist. Also,
this checklist is not specifically designed to relate to cohabitation agreements, al-
though many of the provisions will apply. The provisions suggested in this checklist
must be considered in relation to the particular facts in the matter at hand, and aug-
mented and revised as appropriate. This checklist is current to May 31, 2013.
New developments:
Family Law Act. On March 18, 2013, the Family Law Act, S.B.C. 2011, c. 25
(the FLA) came into force, along with accompanying amendments to the Pro-
vincial Court (Family) Rules, B.C. Reg. 417/98 (see B.C. Reg. 132/2012) and
the Supreme Court Family Rules, B.C. Reg. 169/2009 (the SCFR; see B.C.
Reg. 133/2012). The FLA repeals the Family Relations Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c.
128 (the FRA) and effects fundamental changes to family law in B.C., particu-
larly regarding children and the division of property after the breakdown of a
relationship. The FRA will continue to affect orders and agreements made under
it, as well as cases commenced under the FRA but not concluded by the time the
FLA came into force. Consider the transition provisions of the FLA when advis-
ing clients regarding family law proceedings that were under way when the FLA
came into force. For educational material about the FLA, including a concor-
dance between the FRA and the FLA, see www.justicebc.ca. The Family Law
Act Transition Guide is available from the Continuing Legal Education Society
of British Columbia.
Unmarried spouses. Family law agreements made before, during, or after a rela-
tionship between unmarried spouses (whether of the same or the opposite sex) are
subject to judicial review for fairness on the same basis as agreements made between
married spouses. Review FLA, Part 5: Property Division, which provides for divi-
sion of property between spouses (married and unmarried alike). Review FLA, Parts
3 and 4 regarding the regime changes concerning children, and review FLA, Part 7
concerning support.
Marriage agreements. The FLA does not identify marriage agreements as such, but
provides that the parties may execute agreements on a range of matters, such as
property division and child support, whether they are presently matters in dispute or
are matters that may be the subject of future dispute: see FLA, ss. 6, 92, and 148.
Note that there are limits on enforceability of agreements as to parenting, guardian-
ship, and property division (FLA, ss. 44, 50, and 93).
Aboriginal law. If the client or the other party has ties to an Aboriginal community,
special considerations may apply (e.g., see items 1.7 and 2.18.6 in the FAMILY
PRACTICE INTERVIEW (D-1) checklist); Note the requirements of FLA, Part 10,
Division 3, which provide for standing and notice in cases concerning Nisgaa and
treaty first nations children and treaty lands. Consider whether a lawyer with Abo-
riginal law experience should be consulted. Further information on Aboriginal law
issues is available on the Aboriginal Law page in the Practice Points section of
the CLEBC website (www.cle.bc.ca) and in other CLEBC publications.
Additional resources. For more information on drafting of family agreements, see
Family Law AgreementsAnnotated Precedents, 3rd ed., looseleaf and online
(CLEBC, 1998).

MARRIAGE AGREEMENT LAW SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
DRAFTING PRACTICE CHECKLISTS MANUAL
D-4-2 7/13

CONTENTS

1. Date of Agreement
2. Names and Addresses of Parties
3. Recitals
4. Introductory/Interpretation Clauses
5. Names, Religion, Education
6. Support of Spouses and Children
7. Ownership of Property
8. Responsibility for Debts
9. Management of Affairs
10. Personal Decisions
11. Provision for Death
12. General Clauses
13. Substantive Terms with Third Parties
14. Schedules
15. Appendices

CHECKLIST

1. DATE OF AGREEMENT

1.1 Depending on the use to which the document is put, it may be a fraud on
either the court or the Canada Revenue Agency to indicate that an agree-
ment was executed on an earlier date than the one on which it was actually
signed.

2. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF PARTIES

2.1 Confirm compliance with Law Society of British Columbia Rules on client
identification and verification, and complete the CLIENT IDENTIFICATION
AND VERIFICATION PROCEDURE (A-1) checklist. Complete the FAMILY
PRACTICE INTERVIEW (D-1) checklist.

2.2 Prospective spouse #1.
2.3 Prospective spouse #2.
2.4 Others. Typically, there are no signatories to marriage or cohabitation
agreements other than the spouses.

.1 If there are third parties with whom the spouses are contracting regard-
ing their domestic arrangement (e.g., other co-habitants in a residence,
other parents to children, or partners in property), third-party signatories
to the agreement might be desirable or necessary. However, considera-
tion should be given to whether any obligations between the spouses and
third parties should be addressed in a separate agreement referred to
and/or appended as a schedule to the marriage or cohabitation agree-
ment.

.2 If one of the contracting parties is bringing a child into the relationship,
review FLA, s. 44 which places restrictions on what can be agreed upon
only by a childs guardians, and says that an agreement about parenting
arrangements is only binding if made after separation or when the par-
ties are about to separate and the terms are to be effective on separation.

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Note also FLA, s. 50: except under the Adoption Act, R.S.B.C. 1996,
c. 5, or the Child, Family and Community Service Act, R.S.B.C. 1996,
c. 46, only parents can become a childs guardian by agreement, and
non-parent guardians must be appointed by the court.

3. RECITALS

3.1 Particulars of marriage/marriage-like relationship.
.1 Parties are about to marry or enter into a marriage-like relationship.
.2 If applicable, date and place of marriage or date of commencement of
cohabitation.

.3 If applicable, intention to marry and expected date of marriage (if
known).

3.2 Parties.
.1 Ages or birth dates.
3.3 Children.
.1 Names, ages, and birth dates.
.2 Whether children are of a previous marriage/marriage-like relationship.
.3 If no children, are any expected?
3.4 Purpose of agreement.
3.5 Issues to be settled by the agreement.
.1 Management of, ownership in, or division of family assets or other
property acquired prior to and during the marriage/marriage-like rela-
tionship. Note FLA, ss. 84 and 85.

.2 Management of, ownership in, or division of family assets or other
property after separation (refer to the SEPARATION AGREEMENT
DRAFTING (D-3) checklist for specific provisions).

.3 Management of affairs during the marriage/marriage-like relationship or
upon death of one of the parties (consider the effect of wills made after
the marriage agreement). (Note the pending Wills, Estates and Succes-
sion Act, S.B.C. 2009, c. 13 (the WESA), which is expected to come
into force on March 31, 2014 and should be reviewed.)

.4 Maintenance of spouses during the marriage/marriage-like relationship
or after separation.

.5 Maintenance of children during the marriage/marriage-like relationship.
Note FLA, s. 148(1), which provides that an agreement about child sup-
port is only binding if made after separation or when the parties are
about to separate and the terms are to be effective on separation.

.6 Guardianship, custody, and access of children during the mar-
riage/marriage-like relationship. Note FLA, s. 44, which places
restrictions on what can be agreed upon only by a childs guardians and
that an agreement about parenting arrangements is only binding if made
after separation or when the parties are about to separate and the terms
are to be effective on separation.

3.6 Previous agreements, including marriage agreements.
3.7 Previous and current court orders.
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3.8 Previous and current legal proceedings.
3.9 Legal and municipal description of family residence.
3.10 Schedule of property (assets and liabilities) of each party as of the outset of
cohabitation. Caution: the property regime under the FLA entitles each
spouse to one-half of all assets (except defined excluded assets) owned by at
least one spouse. This includes property beneficially owned and any in-
crease in the value of excluded assets over the period of the relationship
(s. 84). This means that an accurate assessment of the property and value
each party brings into the relationship is critical to assessing what the con-
sequences may be on a later separation. Ensure full disclosure of all assets,
including pensions, accounts receivable, intellectual property, interests in
trusts, cash surrender value of life insurance or other life insurance. Insist on
values being either agreed upon or confirmed by appraisals or valuations.

.1 Spouse #1.
.2 Spouse #2.
3.11 Statement of awareness of assets or liabilities or both of other party; con-
sider provision to ensure full disclosure and/or attach sworn statements of
property. Consider comprehensive schedules to support the value of critical
assets and debts at the commencement of the relationship.

3.12 Statement of what the parties acknowledge to be excluded assets within the
meaning of FLA, s. 85, if applicable; release of claim to, or statement of as-
sets that are not to be treated as, family assets.

3.13 Statement of occupations and incomes of parties.
.1 Spouse #1.
.2 Spouse #2.
.3 Dependent children.
3.14 Statement relating the recitals to the rest of the agreement.
.1 Consider recitals as minimum standards of material representations.
.2 Consider warranty of accuracy of respective representations.
4. INTRODUCTORY/INTERPRETATION CLAUSES

(Placement of general clauses is a matter of drafting style. They are variously
placed at the beginning and the end of the agreement. See also item 12.)

4.1 Statement that recitals are correct and form part of the agreement.
4.2 Statement that any schedules to the agreement form part of the agreement.
4.3 Statement of governing law. Consider including a statement that the parties
are aware of the FLA and agree that, regardless of any subsequent amend-
ments or legislative changes, the terms in their marriage/cohabitation
agreement are intended to apply.

4.4 Statement that each party has been advised of his or her rights and has
obtained independent legal advice, or has been advised of his or her rights
and has chosen not to obtain independent legal advice.

4.5 Statement that each party signs the agreement voluntarily, without undue
influence or coercion, and that the agreement adequately provides for his or
her present and future needs.

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4.6 Definitions.
4.7 Statement that the agreement constitutes the full and final settlement of all
issues to which it relates, except that it may be amended by written agree-
ment of the parties (witnessed independently in the same manner as this
agreement).

4.8 Statement that the parties intend to review the agreement in a certain period
of time. Consider a term that if the parties do not review the agreement it
will be deemed to be fair. Consider terms to specifically address future chil-
dren and their effect on the agreement, concerning both property and
support. Review FLA, ss. 44(4), 58(4), 93, 148(3), and 164 as to the courts
jurisdiction to alter or set aside agreements about specific issues.

4.9 Release by both spouses of all claims, including claims in trust, arising out
of the marriage, marriage-like relationship, or joint ownership of property,
except as set out in the agreement.

5. NAMES, RELIGION, EDUCATION

5.1 Statement regarding use of surnames by spouses.
5.2 Statement regarding use of surnames by children.
5.3 Statement regarding religion governing the marriage/marriage-like relation-
ship, or religious freedom of each spouse.

5.4 Statement regarding religious participation and education of children.
6. SUPPORT OF SPOUSES AND CHILDREN

6.1 Support of spouses.
.1 Responsibility for support of each spouse, or waiver thereof. Note
Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3 (2nd Supp.), s. 15.2: a waiver of spousal
support in an agreement is only one factor considered in an application
for spousal support. Note also that the spousal support provisions of the
FLA (Part 7, Division 4) track the requirements of the Divorce Act. Con-
sider whether including a waiver of support makes the agreement too
one-sided and more vulnerable to future challenge as a whole. Con-
sider whether a waiver of support is made in exchange for other
consideration in the agreement (e.g., property rights) and consider
whether to state this. Consider the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines
(the Guidelines, available at www.justice.gc.ca) and whether to make
a statement of the parties awareness of the Guidelines and differences
between the parties agreement and the Guidelines.

.2 How responsibility is to be met (e.g., by providing home, making
monthly payments, setting up trust with life income).

.3 Effect of particular circumstances (e.g., young children at home, whether
caregiver spouse is working, compensation for foregoing earned in-
come).

.4 Statement as to circumstances under which responsibility for support is
varied, suspended, or terminated (e.g., on separation, upon completion of
a university degree, when disposable incomes become equal, upon ill-
ness, disability, or retirement of payor).

.5 Consider whether a spouse may acquire an increasing level of support
over time.

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.6 Consider whether to leave support to the ability of one or either party to
apply to court (and address only property issues, e.g., to possibly in-
crease the likelihood of the agreement being upheld if challenged).

6.2 Support of children.
.1 Provisions regarding children of one spouse from a previous marriage:
residence, support, education, adoption, role to be played by stepparent,
etc.

.2 Provisions regarding support of entitled children may not be enforce-
able, although terms are often included to document the intentions of the
parties and the court can enforce obligations undertaken by a payor in an
agreement if they benefit a child. If a separation occurs, child support
will be governed by the applicable law at the time, including the Child
Support Guidelines. Parties may wish to confirm this in their agreement,
although it is not necessary. (Note, the Federal Child Support Guide-
lines, SOR/97-175, proclaimed under the Divorce Act, apply in B.C. as
described in Family Law Act Regulation, B.C. Reg. 347/2012, Part 4.)

7. OWNERSHIP OF PROPERTY

7.1 General provisions.
.1 Whether all or some property owned by either spouse before mar-
riage/marriage-like relationship is to remain as separate property. Note
FLA, s. 85 on excluded property, and FLA, s. 92 on agreements as to
property division.

.2 Whether all or some property owned by either spouse is to be held as
joint property.

.3 Whether all or some property acquired by either spouse after mar-
riage/marriage-like relationship is to be held as joint property, and how
that intention is to be shown (e.g., registration in joint names; held as
tenants-in-common in proportion to contributions).

.4 FLA, Part 5 regarding the property division rules applies to both married
and non-married spouses.

.5 All property and liabilities of both parties are set out in schedules to the
agreement.

7.2 Family residence.
.1 Whether there is currently a family residence; if so, who is the owner.
.2 Whether it is to be owned by one spouse or by both spouses as joint
tenants or as tenants-in-common; if tenants-in-common, in what propor-
tion. Consider tax implications (e.g., property transfer tax and the result
following the death of a spouse).

.3 Whether it is to be transferred from one spouse to the other, or to a joint
tenancy or tenancy in common; if tenancy in common, in what propor-
tion. Consider the tax implications.

.4 Whether a non-owner spouse may acquire an increasing interest (e.g.,
5% every two years).

.5 Responsibility for paying or discharging any associated encumbrances
and obligations; indemnification of the other spouse.

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.6 Responsibility for paying for repairs and maintenance, insurance (and
beneficiary(ies) of insurance), property taxes, utilities.

.7 Spouses will not sever the joint tenancy, encumber the title, or pledge
their interests in it as security. Specify the consequences if this were to
occur.

.8 Whether one or the other spouse (or both) wish to buy out the others
interest. If so, include a buy-out clause and set out what triggers a buy-
out. Consider who has right to occupy in the interim.

7.3 Other real property.
.1 Whether to be owned by one spouse or by both spouses as joint tenants
or tenants-in-common; if tenants-in-common, in what proportion. Con-
sider tax implications and the result following the death of a spouse.

.2 Whether to be transferred from one spouse to the other or to a joint
tenancy or tenancy in common; if tenancy in common, in what propor-
tion.

.3 Responsibility for paying or discharging any associated encumbrances
and obligations; indemnification of the other spouse.

.4 Responsibility for paying for repairs and maintenance.
.5 Net value of items owned separately by each spouse; difference in net
values; whether difference is to be made up by cash payments or wheth-
er claim is to be waived and released.

.6 Who has the right to use/occupy the property.
7.4 Automobiles.
.1 Whether each spouse is entitled to have his or her own automobile and
to be entitled to use it as he or she wishes, dispose of it, or encumber it.

.2 Whether an automobile is to be designated as a family automobile with
each spouse being entitled to equal shares and equal use.

.3 Transfer of title. Consider any tax implications or the result following
the death of a spouse.

.4 Obligations to make payments, contribute to insurance and maintenance,
and pay operating costs.

.5 Whether there is an obligation not to dispose of or encumber the auto-
mobile without the consent of the other spouse.

7.5 Other chattels.
.1 Specific chattels or types of chattels that are to be owned by one spouse
and, where appropriate, circumstances, terms, and conditions. May in-
clude release of any claims under the FLA or any other law.

.2 Specific chattels or types of chattels that are to be owned jointly.
(a) Payment obligations.
(b) Entitlement to use.
(c) Obligation not to dispose of or encumber without the consent of the
other spouse.

.3 Entitlement to use chattels that are owned by one spouse or owned
jointly.

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.4 Designation of chattels acquired during marriage as family property.
Note there have been significant changes under FLA, Part 5. Consider
the terms necessary to address the clients wishes.

.5 Obligation to maintain and contribute to insurance on joint property;
beneficiaries of insurance.

7.6 Gifts and windfalls.
.1 Gifts from a spouse or third party are to be separate property of the
donee.

.2 Wedding gifts and property purchased from the proceeds of wedding
gifts are to be owned jointly.

.3 Inheritances are to be separate property of the donee.
.4 Windfalls, damages from personal injury actions, etc., are to be separate
property (or are to be divided equally between the spouses and thereafter
to be the separate property of each).

7.7 Animals and pets.
.1 Right to have animals and pets.
.2 Responsibility for animals and pets.
.3 Who gets pets upon separation.
7.8 Life insurance.
.1 Each spouse (or one spouse) is required to maintain policies as specified
until a specified time (e.g., until there is no longer a child dependent on
the spouses).

.2 Each spouse is required to designate solely the other (or the spouse, or
another, or both in trust for the children) as sole beneficiary(ies) under
the policy until a specified time (e.g., until there are no longer dependent
children).

.3 If the spouse defaults in payment, the other may make payment and
recover it from the defaulting party, together with expenses necessarily
incurred.

.4 Neither spouse may borrow money from the insurer on the security of
the policy.

.5 Each spouse is required to provide the other with evidence that the
policy is being maintained as required, or to provide the insurer with au-
thorization to provide the other spouse, upon written demand, with
information on the status of the policy.

.6 When the event occurs that terminates the obligation to maintain the
policies, each party may deal with his or her policies as he or she wishes,
free from any claim of the other.

.7 Consider any cash surrender value of life insurance policies, who will
retain, and whether the policies will be cashed and divided.

7.9 RRSPs.
.1 To be the separate property of the spouse in whose name each is regis-
tered, unless they are registered in the names of both spouses.

.2 Consider requirements for equal or spousal contributions, or both.
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.3 Consider beneficiary.
7.10 Pension plans. Review FLA, Part 6 (Pension Division).
.1 Whether pension plans are to be the separate property of the spouse in
whose name each is registered. Consider provisions concerning division
of pension entitlement (FLA, ss. 114 to 123). Consider any supplemental
plans. Consider pre- and post-survivor benefits. Have pension plan ad-
ministrator approve wording of agreement and consider any further
documentation required by the plan. Consider seeking expert advice.

.2 Whether each spouse releases any interest he or she may have or acquire
in the others Canada Pension Plan benefits and agrees not to apply for a
division of the pensionable earnings credits in the event of a divorce (see
Canada Pension Plan, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-8, s. 55.2, and the special
wording required to waive interests). Refer to FLA, s. 127(2).

7.11 Bank accounts.
.1 Each spouse is entitled to have his or her personal accounts.
.2 Whether contributions are to be made to a joint account, to be used for
joint expenses (e.g., food, car, household expenses).

7.12 Other provisions regarding specific items or types of property (e.g., consider
whether other types of property listed in item 11 of the SEPARATION
AGREEMENT DRAFTING (D-3) checklist are relevant).

7.13 Specifically address any property that is excluded within the meaning of
FLA, s. 85.

7.14 General provisions regarding property not specifically provided for (e.g., to
be the separate property of the party in whose name it is registered or who
acquired it, or, if the parties are to have a joint interest, property to be regis-
tered in joint names). If the property is not subject to registration, consider a
clause to include a list of such property on an appendix or schedule to the
agreement.

7.15 Release of any claims against the other spouses separate property other
than those arising under this agreement.

7.16 Each spouse has full power over and separate control of his or her separate
property and is entitled to income from its lease or disposition.

7.17 Neither spouse has a right to compensation for any contribution in respect of
any property in which the other has an interest, unless otherwise agreed in
writing.

8. RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEBTS
8.1 Between the parties. Review FLA, s. 86 regarding family debt. Consider
its effect on the parties agreement.

.1 Acknowledgement of existence of debts.
.2 Provision for payment (set out details in a schedule).
.3 Non-existence or negation of non-scheduled debts.
8.2 Due to third parties (individually incurred).
.1 Existing debts and responsibility for payment.
.2 Indemnity of each against third-party claims resulting from failure to
pay.

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.3 Undisclosed debts are to be assumed by the party who incurred them.
.4 Neither spouse may contract in the name of the other or bind the other
for any debts or obligations without consent; otherwise, will indemnify
other spouse from any claims arising from those debts or obligations.

8.3 Recovery of specific property loaned.
8.4 Property pledged by one spouse to secure debts of the other.
8.5 Joint obligations to third parties.
.1 Existing joint obligations and responsibility for payment. (Note: where
one party assumes responsibility, this will not be sufficient to release the
other from liability for the debt unless it is renegotiated with the third
party. Can include indemnification from one spouse to another.)

.2 To be incurred in future only by agreement.
8.6 Credit cards.
.1 Whether to be used by both spouses, or whether the spouses are to have
separate cards.

.2 Responsibility for payments.
9. MANAGEMENT OF AFFAIRS

9.1 Whether all earnings and income from all sources are to be the separate
property of the spouse earning the income or are to be divided equally or in
a specific proportion.

9.2 Whether each spouse is to deposit a certain sum each month into a joint
account (e.g., entire income, half of estimated monthly expenses, share of
monthly expenses proportionate to spouses income), with any surplus at the
end of the month to be divided and to become separate property. Consider
how specific or general to be, considering the parties expenses now and in
the future and whether they are predictable or not.

9.3 Payment of usual household and family expenses (e.g., out of the joint
account).

9.4 Payment for household acquisitions (e.g., out of the joint account); owner-
ship (e.g., to be held as joint tenants).

9.5 Responsibility for household duties.
9.6 Responsibility for child care; use of day care (subject to item 6.2.2).
10. PERSONAL DECISIONS

10.1 Whether each spouse wishes to sign a document such as an enduring power
of attorney or representation agreement authorizing each to act or make
health care decisions on behalf of the other in the event of incapacity. Note
that changes to enduring powers of attorney were brought into force under
the Adult Guardianship and Planning Statutes Amendment Act, S.B.C.
2007, c. 34, in 2011. See Representation Agreement Act, R.S.B.C. 1996,
c. 405; Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act, R.S.B.C.
1996, c. 181; and CLEBCs Family Law AgreementsAnnotated Prece-
dents, 3rd ed., chapter 17. Note also that the WESA is expected to come into
force on March 31, 2014, and will affect succession planning. Consider the
effects of such documents following death or separation.

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11. PROVISION FOR DEATH

11.1 Whether each spouse will maintain a will making the other spouse (or the
children) sole beneficiary(ies). If there are several beneficiaries, what pro-
portion of the estate will each inherit. Consider a clause regarding the
executors, executrixes, administrators, etc., being trustees on behalf of the
surviving spouse in the event of the deceased spouse not maintaining his or
her will as agreed. Note pending changes to revocation under the WESA,
which is expected to come into force on March 31, 2014. Consider referral
to a lawyer who has expertise in wills and estates.

11.2 Whether each spouse renounces acquisition by virtue of marriage of any
right to the others estate upon death; estate to descend in the manner pre-
scribed by will and in default thereof as though no marriage had taken place.

11.3 Whether there is renunciation of rights under the Land (Spouse Protection)
Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 246, and the Partition of Property Act, R.S.B.C.
1996, c. 347.

11.4 Release of claims against the estate that are not included in the agreement
(and note the pending changes under the WESA, which is expected to come
into force on March 31, 2014):

.1 On an intestacy under s. 83, 84, 85, 85.1, or 96 of the Estate Administra-
tion Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 122.

.2 Under the Wills Variation Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 490.
.3 Under any law of like nature of any jurisdiction that may apply at the
date of death.

.4 Survivors benefits under any pension or annuity.
11.5 Consider the effect of Canada Pension Plan death benefits for spouse and
children.

11.6 Consider whether occupation of property clauses ought to be different on
death (e.g,. life tenancy or more notice to vacate).

12. GENERAL CLAUSES

12.1 Effect of failure of prospective spouses to marry.
12.2 Effect of separation (see the SEPARATION AGREEMENT DRAFTING (D-3)
checklist for specific provisions regarding separation). Include a definition
of separation.

12.3 Releases with respect to separate property.
12.4 Waivers (general and specific) disclaiming rights to the others property
based on trust law or unjust enrichment.

12.5 Severability.
.1 Void or voidable clauses. Consider whether these clauses should be
severed or if there are specific clauses that, if severed, may make the en-
tire agreement unfair. Note FLA, s. 93(3).

.2 Clauses incorporated or confirmed by court order.
12.6 Provision as to resolution of disagreements between spouses as to the inter-
pretation or application of this agreement; for example:

.1 The dispute will be submitted to an arbitrator, to be appointed as pro-
vided in the agreement.

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.2 The dispute will be submitted to a family law mediator, to be appointed
as provided in the agreement. Consider specifying the mediators name,
the number of sessions prior to a court application, and how the mediator
is to be paid.

.3 In determining any matter in dispute, an arbitrator, court, or other tribu-
nal may have regard to the course of conduct of a party in relation to the
standards and expectations of the parties set out in a schedule to this
agreement, to which the parties commit themselves.

.4 Consider the parties having liberty to apply to court to bring into effect
or ask for directions on clauses, such as pension division, sale or buy-out
of family residence, etc.

12.7 Continuing disclosure of income and financial position, to be kept confiden-
tial by the other spouse. Consider definition of confidential (e.g., exception
for professional advisors).

12.8 Further assurances.
12.9 No variations or amendment except by signed writing and witnessed in the
same manner as the agreement.

12.10 Provision that words of the agreement are those of both parties (contra
proferentem does not apply).

12.11 Cost and expense of marriage agreement (or cohabitation agreement), and
who will pay.

12.12 Binding on estates.
12.13 Provision for filing with the Supreme Court or with the Provincial Court
under FLA, ss. 44(3), 58(3), 148(2), and 163(3), but note FLA, s. 6(4)(c),
whereby filing with the court is not necessary to ensure that an agreement as
to matters that could become the subject of a future dispute is binding.

12.14 Provision for filing notice of the agreement in the land title office (FLA,
s. 99) or the personal property registry (FLA, s. 100), if permitted. See
item 7.2.7.

13. SUBSTANTIVE TERMS WITH THIRD PARTIES

13.1 Consider what terms need to be included between the marrying or cohabit-
ing spouses and any third party signatories to the agreement.

13.2 Consider whether any positive obligations regarding third parties can be
contracted by the spouses rather than having a third party signatory to the
agreement (e.g., a property agreement between all parties occupying a
shared residence).

13.3 Consider whether any obligations between the separating parties and third
parties (e.g., corporations) should be addressed in a separate agreement re-
ferred to and/or appended as a schedule to the separation agreement.

13.4 Ensure that any unrepresented third parties are referred for independent
legal representation and that the representation (or waiver of representation)
is documented. See BC Code rule 7.2-9.

14. SCHEDULES

14.1 Statement of property of wife/prospective wife/spouse.
14.2 Statement of property of husband/prospective husband/spouse.
7/13 D-4-13

14.3 Statement of wife/prospective wife/spouses liabilities.
14.4 Statement of husband/prospective husband/spouses liabilities.
14.5 Any other property schedules (e.g., life insurance policies of each spouse,
agreement with relevant third parties, valuation evidence).

14.6 Schedules relating to personal decisions such as wills, enduring powers of
attorney, representation agreements.

14.7 Terms regarding payment of debts between spouses.
14.8 Standards and expectations setting out basic philosophy of mar-
riage/marriage-like relationship (e.g., employment, household duties,
decisions regarding children).

15. APPENDICES
(e.g., certificates of independent legal advice)

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LAW SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA MARRIAGE AGREEMENT

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