by Samuel K. Darling, Divorce Lawyer at Genesis Law Firm, PLLC
This webpage provides an example divorce settlement agreement for matters in Washington State (WA). A settlement agreement differs from a ‘joinder’ to a divorce petition. Either party may revoke a joinder at any time before the divorce becomes final. A signed settlement agreement, on the other hand, typically remains enforceable even if a party tries to rescind.
This example settlement agreement is a generic form with self-explanatory checkboxes. The form references other forms, such as a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage and Parenting Plan, that should be attached to the settlement agreement if applicable. Those additional forms can be downloaded on the Washington State mandatory forms website under Family Law > Divorce > Divorce (Dissolution). To attach documents, simply place them at the back of the agreement, preferably in the order listed. Each party and/or attorney should sign the settlement agreement and its attachments.
You should not settle your case unless you fully understand the terms and have investigated the relevant facts. Most attorneys and LLLTs will assist you in negotiating and evaluating the terms of a proposed settlement on an unbundled basis if you need assistance. ‘Unbundled’ means the attorney or LLLT only assists with the tasks you request, rather than fully representing you. Unbundled assistance tends to be much less expensive than full representation, because the scope is more limited.
If you cannot afford an attorney, you should, at a minimum, research applicable divorce laws and norms before entering a settlement agreement. Our firm offers free articles and guides within the resources section of our website. Article topics include property distribution, spousal maintenance (alimony), child support, and parenting plans. We make every effort to ensure those resources are up-do-date and useful, but we cannot guarantee they will provide you with all the information you might need in your unique case.
The following is the actual language for the settlement agreement (cover sheet). Scroll to the bottom to download a Word copy.
Sample Settlement Agreement:
This settlement agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into this ________ day of __________, 201__, by and between ________________ [Name] (“Petitioner”) and ________________ [Name] (“Respondent”) in full settlement of the parties’ action or intended action for marital dissolution. The parties stipulate and agree to entry of the following documents on the terms indicated in the attached proposed final versions of said documents (check all that apply):
? Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
? Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law.
? Final Parenting Plan & Child Support Order (with worksheets)
If the box pertaining to the Final Parenting Plan & Child Support Order (the third box) is NOT checked, it means (check one of the following):
? The parties have NO dependent children of their marriage, or any dependent children of their marriage are not within the jurisdiction of the above-captioned Court; or
? The parties HAVE dependent child(ren) of their marriage, BUT the parties agree a) not to seek a temporary parenting plan or temporary child support order, b) not to finalize their marital dissolution until said child(ren) are all 18-years of age or older, and c) not to seek entry of a final parenting plan or child support order (This box should be checked only if said child(ren) are nearing 18).
The signatures below are an acknowledgment that each party has had sufficient opportunity to seek independent legal advice prior to entering this Agreement. The signatures also constitute an acknowledgment that this Agreement is fair, was mutually negotiated and drafted, and should not be construed against either party as the drafter.
Signature:Â
Name:
Petitioner
Signature:Â
Name:
Respondent
Signature:Â
Attorney for Petitioner (If Any)
WSBA No. ___________
Signature:Â
Attorney for Petitioner (If Any)
WSBA No. ___________
Click here for an editable Word copy.
We hope this was helpful. Our firm believes in making quality legal information available for free on the internet. For more free articles, guides, and videos, visit our website and click the resources tab in the upper right corner.
Or call us at 866-631-0028 to speak with a Genesis divorce lawyer in Bellevue or Everett, Washington.
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- Divorce in Washington State: An Overview & Guide *START HERE IF RESEARCHING DIVORCES
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