Divorce Settlement Agreement

When one is already facing the problems of a broken marriage, a stressful and complicated divorce procedure can add to a person's troubles. For a couple going through a divorce, it is essential to come to a mutual agreement regarding who will have the authority of the joint property, debts and other things. Such an agreement is called a divorce settlement agreement or marital settlement agreement.

Since there are a lot of legal issues involved in a divorce like alimony, house loans, pension plans, etc., a documentation like a divorce settlement agreement form is essential to avoid any future complications or problems. Moreover, anything you claim without a proof is considered as a hearsay or your word against your ex's, hence, a well planned divorce separation agreement can make things work in your favor. Therefore, here is a template that will help you to prepare your own agreement.

Divorce Settlement Agreement Sample

This Agreement is enrolled on __________________________, 20________, by and between ____________________________________ (Husband) and ____________________________________ (Wife) whose address are as follows: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ (Address) (Address) ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ (City) (County) (State) (City) (County) (State) The parties were married on ___________________________, ______. Due to conflicts and serious differences, they have separated and are presently living separate and apart, and want to continue living permanently apart. They intend to resolve by this agreement their marital matters, including child custody, child support, division of property and debts, and their rights to alimony. Considering these reasons and mutual promises comprised in this agreement, Husband and Wife agree as follows: 1. LIVING SEPARATE. Husband and Wife will live separate and apart from each other, as if they were single and unmarried. 2.NO HARASSMENT OR INTERFERENCE. Neither party will in any condition harass, annoy or intervene with the other. 3.CHILD CUSTODY. The parties will share in parenting responsibilities; however, physical custody of the minor child(ren), ___________________________________________________________ shall be granted to the Wife and the Husband shall have reasonable and liberal visitation rights. The parties will share in parenting responsibilities; however, physical custody of the minor child(ren), _____________________________________________________________ shall be granted to the Husband and the Wife shall have reasonable and liberal visitation rights. 4. DIVISION OF PROPERTY. The Husband transfers to the Wife as her sole and separate property: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ The Wife transfers to the Husband as his sole and separate property: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 5. DIVISION OF DEBTS. The Husband shall pay, and will not at any time hold the Wife responsible for, the following debts: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ The Wife shall pay, and will not at any time hold the Husband responsible for, the following debts: ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ 6. ALIMONY. The Husband/Wife shall pay alimony in the sum of $ ________________ per ________________, for a period of _______________________, or until the Husband/Wife dies or remarries, whichever occurs first. 7. EFFECT OF DIVORCE OR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE. In the event of a divorce or dissolution of marriage this Divorce Settlement Agreement shall, if the court approves, be merged with, incorporated into, and become a part of any subsequent decree or judgment for divorce or dissolution of marriage. 8. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. The parties have revealed to each other complete financial information regarding their net worth, assets, holdings, income, and liabilities; not only by their discussions with each other, but also through copies of their current financial statements, copies of which are attached hereto as Exhibits A and B. Both parties acknowledge that they had sufficient time to review the other's financial statement, are familiar with and understand the other's financial statement, had any questions satisfactorily answered, and are satisfied that entire financial disclosure has been made by the other. 9. INDEPENDENT REPRESENTATION BY COUNSEL. Each party has the right to representation by independent counsel. Each party fully understands his or her rights, and considers the terms of this agreement to be fair and reasonable. 10. EXECUTION OF NECESSARY INSTRUMENTS. The parties will execute and deliver any other instruments and documents that may be necessary and convenient to carry out all the terms of this Agreement. 11. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This instrument, including any attached exhibits, constitutes the entire agreement of the parties. No representations or promises have been made, except those that are set out in this Agreement. This Agreement may not be modified or terminated except in writing signed by the parties. 12. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of ____________________. 13. BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties, and upon their heirs, executors, personal representatives, administrators, successors, and assigns. ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Husband's Signature Wife's Signature

I hope this sample will give you a fair idea on how to prepare one which will somehow lessen the burden of worries from your mind. Before, making the agreement, educate yourself regarding different elements needed for a successful settlement either by doing little research online or with the help of your divorce lawyer.