Married couples seeking divorce have two options when they decide to separate- to informally separate, or to file an official notice of separation with their local family court. Couples who wish to legally separate are often concerned with issues such as division and protection of property, child custody, child support, spousal support and visitation rights. A separation agreement is the outcome of the court's findings or rulings in regard to the legal separation. This form of filing is in fact a law suit, of which the findings are legally binding. Both parties of the couple must sign the document in order for it to be considered valid. In the event that both parties do not agree to the terms of legal separation, most judges will simply rule to proceed to divorce proceedings.