Assistance of counsel is important in preparation of a separation agreement. A separation agreement is a contract between a husband and wife agreeing to the terms of their separation. Items which might be agreed upon in a separation include alimony, alimony pendente lite, temporary alimony, indefinite alimony, division of real property, custody, child support, visitation, use and possession of the family home, health insurance, auto insurance, life insurance, college expenses, division of personal property, division of motor vehicles, responsibility for debts, sale or transfer of real estate. You should not sign a separation agreement without first reviewing the matter with your attorney. Sometimes the most important mistake in a separation agreement is language which is missing. Challenging the validity of a separation agreement in Maryland is an area of concern in some cases.