Opinion ID: 2585299
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The separation agreement

Text: In July 1991 Danny filed a complaint for legal separation and, through his attorney, prepared a separation agreement for Gail to sign. The separation agreement characterized nearly all property, except for the Malibu home and the Glasens' yacht, as Danny's separate property to which he was entitled. This property included, for example, the Cordova home, the Cordova cabin, Orca Oil stock, an escrow account, land in Cordova, Danny's pension, and other property and resources. Notably, the separation agreement did not contain any values for any marital or separate property, any marital or separate debts, or either of the parties' salaries or income. As for the Malibu house, the agreement stated that after satisfying all debts and reimbursing Danny for his mortgage and maintenance payments, Gail should receive the sale proceeds. In addition, the agreement stated that Danny and Gail would jointly own the yacht and be equally responsible for all related expenses. The parties agreed to joint custody of their children, and Danny agreed to pay $2,000 a month in temporary child and spousal support. Gail signed the agreement without the assistance of counsel because she trusted Danny, and she just wanted to make Danny happy and sign it. Shortly after Gail signed the agreement, the superior court granted a decree of legal separation incorporating the agreement. During the hearingat which Gail was not presentDanny assured the standing master that Gail would receive between $450,000 and $600,000 from the sale of the Malibu home after expenses. They also assured the master that the settlement agreement would obviate the need for spousal support. When Danny and Gail ultimately sold the Malibu home, however, they barely made enough money to cover their costs and netted only $419.89. Finally, Danny testified that the agreement would allow for future reconciliation.