[DRAFT] MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

(District of Columbia – Domestic Relations Branch, Superior Court of the District of Columbia)

[// GUIDANCE: This is a comprehensive template intended for use by licensed attorneys practicing family law in the District of Columbia. Replace every bracketed item with client-specific information and customize provisions to reflect case-specific facts. Verify current statutory language before filing.]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Document Header
2. Definitions
3. Representations & Warranties
4. Operative Provisions
   4.1. Property Division
   4.2. Spousal Support (Alimony)
   4.3. Child Custody & Parenting Plan
   4.4. Child Support
   4.5. Debt Allocation & Mutual Indemnification
   4.6. Taxes
   4.7. Insurance & Benefits
5. Covenants & Restrictions
6. Default & Remedies
7. Risk Allocation
8. Dispute Resolution
9. General Provisions
10. Execution Block

1. DOCUMENT HEADER

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
This Marital Settlement Agreement (the “Agreement”) is entered into on [Effective Date] (the “Effective Date”) by and between:

• [Full Legal Name of Spouse A], [address] (“Spouse A”); and
• [Full Legal Name of Spouse B], [address] (“Spouse B,” and together with Spouse A, the “Parties,” and each a “Party”).

Recitals:
A. The Parties were lawfully married on [Date] in [City, State/Country].
B. Irreconcilable differences have led to the breakdown of the marriage, and the Parties have agreed to settle all rights and obligations arising out of their marital relationship.
C. The Parties intend that this Agreement resolve all issues of property distribution, spousal support, child custody, child support, debts, and any other rights or claims between them, subject to approval by the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Domestic Relations Branch (the “Court”).
D. The Parties acknowledge that the Court retains jurisdiction to enter a Judgment of Absolute Divorce incorporating this Agreement by reference.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows.

2. DEFINITIONS

Capitalized terms have the meanings set forth below or elsewhere in this Agreement.

“Bankruptcy Code” means 11 U.S.C. §§ 101 et seq., as amended.
“Child(ren)” means [Name(s) & Birthdate(s)].
“Custodial Parent” means the parent having primary physical custody as defined in Section 4.3.
“Deferred Compensation Plans” means any pension, 401(k), 403(b), IRA, or similar retirement plan.
“Equitable Distribution” means allocation of marital property pursuant to D.C. Code § 16-910.
“Marital Home” means the real property located at [address].
“Marital Property” has the meaning assigned by D.C. Code § 16-910(a).
“Separate Property” means property excluded from Marital Property under D.C. law.

[// GUIDANCE: Add or delete definitions based on the fact pattern.]

3. REPRESENTATIONS & WARRANTIES

Each Party represents and warrants to the other that, as of the Effective Date:

3.1 Authority. The Party has full legal capacity to execute and perform this Agreement.
3.2 Financial Disclosure. The Party has made a full and complete disclosure of all assets, liabilities, income, and expenses.
3.3 Independent Counsel. The Party has had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice and enters into this Agreement voluntarily, free of duress or undue influence.
3.4 No Undisclosed Assets. The Party owns no material assets or interests other than those disclosed herein or on [Schedule A] attached hereto.
3.5 No Prior Assignment. No interest conveyed herein has been assigned, pledged, or otherwise encumbered except as disclosed.

The representations and warranties shall survive the execution and Court approval of this Agreement.

4. OPERATIVE PROVISIONS

4.1 Property Division

4.1.1 Identification & Characterization. The Parties stipulate that the assets listed on Schedule A constitute Marital Property and those on Schedule B constitute Separate Property.
4.1.2 Division of Marital Property.
(a) Spouse A shall receive:
i. [Asset]
ii. [Asset]
(b) Spouse B shall receive:
i. [Asset]
ii. [Asset]
4.1.3 Retirement Accounts; QDRO. Any transfer of interests in Deferred Compensation Plans shall be effected via a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (“QDRO”) consistent with Internal Revenue Code § 414(p).
4.1.4 Marital Home.
(a) Disposition: [Sale / Transfer to Spouse A / Transfer to Spouse B] no later than [date].
(b) Net proceeds (or equity) shall be divided [percentage] / [percentage] after customary closing costs.
4.1.5 Personal Property. The Parties shall divide household goods per [Schedule C]; items not listed shall be allocated by mutual agreement or, failing agreement, by mediator per Section 8.3.

[// GUIDANCE: Incorporate D.C. Code § 16-910 equitable factors in complex cases.]

4.2 Spousal Support (Alimony)

4.2.1 Waiver or Obligation.
(a) [OPTION 1 – Waiver] Each Party waives any and all claims to past, present, and future spousal support.
(b) [OPTION 2 – Periodic Alimony] Spouse [A/B] shall pay rehabilitative alimony to Spouse [B/A] in the amount of $[amount] per month, commencing [date] and continuing for [term] months or until the first to occur of: (i) death of either Party; (ii) remarriage of the payee; or (iii) further order of the Court.
4.2.2 Modification. The Court may modify alimony upon a substantial and material change of circumstances pursuant to D.C. Code § 16-908.
4.2.3 Security. Alimony shall be secured by [life insurance policy / lien] as detailed in Section 4.7.

4.3 Child Custody & Parenting Plan

4.3.1 Legal Custody. The Parties shall have [joint / sole] legal custody of the Child(ren) pursuant to D.C. Code § 16-914.
4.3.2 Physical Custody.
(a) [Parenting Time Schedule – insert weekly schedule, holidays, vacations].
(b) Transportation responsibilities: [details].
4.3.3 Decision-Making. Major decisions (education, health, religion, extracurricular) require mutual consent; day-to-day decisions rest with the parent then exercising parenting time.
4.3.4 Relocation. A Party seeking to relocate the Child(ren)’s principal residence outside a [XX-mile] radius of [current city] shall provide at least [60] days’ prior written notice and comply with D.C. Super. Ct. Dom. Rel. R. [Rule X].
4.3.5 Dispute-Resolution for Parenting Issues. Parenting disputes shall first be mediated (Section 8.3) before either Party petitions the Court, unless emergency relief is required.

[// GUIDANCE: Attach a detailed Parenting Plan as Schedule D where the Court requires.]

4.4 Child Support

4.4.1 Guideline Support. Child support shall be calculated under the District of Columbia Child Support Guidelines, D.C. Code § 16-916.01, using the worksheet attached as Schedule E.
4.4.2 Payment Terms. Spouse [A/B] (“Obligor”) shall pay $[amount] per month, via wage withholding through the D.C. Child Support Clearinghouse, commencing [date].
4.4.3 Health Insurance. Obligor shall maintain medical, dental, and vision coverage for the Child(ren). Uninsured medical expenses shall be allocated [percentage] / [percentage].
4.4.4 Adjustments. Support shall adjust automatically each January 1 based on the then-current Guideline worksheet incorporating updated incomes and childcare costs.
4.4.5 Termination. Support terminates upon the Child(ren)’s emancipation as defined by D.C. law.

4.5 Debt Allocation & Mutual Indemnification

4.5.1 Allocation.
(a) Spouse A shall be solely responsible for the debts listed on Schedule F-1.
(b) Spouse B shall be solely responsible for the debts listed on Schedule F-2.
4.5.2 Mutual Indemnity. Each Party (“Indemnifying Party”) shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other Party (“Indemnified Party”) from any claim, judgment, cost, or liability arising out of a debt allocated to the Indemnifying Party.
4.5.3 Liability Cap. The Indemnifying Party’s aggregate liability under this Section is capped at the total outstanding principal balance (and accrued interest) of the allocated debt as of the Effective Date, not to exceed the value of that Party’s Net Marital Assets received under Section 4.1.2.

4.6 Taxes

4.6.1 Filing Status. The Parties shall file [jointly / separately] for tax year [year] and thereafter as [single / head of household].
4.6.2 Dependency Exemptions & Credits. Commencing tax year [year], the dependency exemption and any related child tax credits for [Child Name] shall be claimed by [Spouse], provided that Party is current on child support.
4.6.3 Indemnity for Past Returns. Each Party indemnifies the other for inaccuracies in any tax return that Party prepared or caused to be filed.

4.7 Insurance & Benefits

4.7.1 Life Insurance. Each Party shall maintain life insurance with a death benefit of $[amount] naming the Child(ren) (or a designated trustee) as beneficiary until the Child(ren) attain the age of [21 / 26].
4.7.2 COBRA / D.C. Mini-COBRA. Spouse [B/A] may elect continuation of health coverage at the electing Party’s expense for the maximum period permitted by federal or District law.
4.7.3 Beneficiary Designations. Within [10] days after the Effective Date, each Party shall update beneficiary designations to conform with this Agreement.

5. COVENANTS & RESTRICTIONS

5.1 Non-Disparagement. Neither Party shall disparage the other in the presence of the Child(ren) or on social media.
5.2 Confidentiality. Except as required by law or Court order, the terms of this Agreement shall remain confidential.
5.3 No Harassment or Abuse. Each Party is restrained from harassing, intimidating, or threatening the other Party or the Child(ren). Violation constitutes an Event of Default (Section 6.1(c)).
5.4 Cooperation. Each Party shall execute all documents reasonably necessary to effectuate the transfers contemplated herein within [30] days of request.

6. DEFAULT & REMEDIES

6.1 Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following constitutes a material default:
(a) Failure to pay any monetary obligation within [10] days after written notice of non-payment;
(b) Failure to convey property or execute documents required herein within [10] days after written notice;
(c) Violation of the non-harassment covenant (Section 5.3);
(d) Filing of a voluntary or involuntary petition under the Bankruptcy Code that seeks to discharge obligations imposed by this Agreement.
6.2 Cure Period. The defaulting Party shall have [10] days to cure after receipt of written notice.
6.3 Remedies. Upon uncured default, the non-defaulting Party may pursue any or all of the following, cumulatively:
(a) Entry of a money judgment plus statutory interest;
(b) Wage garnishment or income withholding;
(c) Contempt proceedings in the Court;
(d) Specific performance;
(e) Recovery of reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
6.4 Attorneys’ Fees. Prevailing Party is entitled to attorneys’ fees incurred in enforcing this Agreement.

7. RISK ALLOCATION

7.1 Mutual Indemnification. See Section 4.5.
7.2 Limitation of Liability. Except for intentional misconduct or obligations related to child support, a Party’s liability to the other arising under this Agreement shall not exceed that Party’s share of Net Marital Assets.
7.3 Force Majeure. Neither Party shall be liable for delay in performing non-monetary obligations due to acts of God, pandemic, war, or governmental action, provided that such Party gives written notice within [5] days of the triggering event and resumes performance promptly thereafter. Financial obligations (support payments) are expressly excluded from this Section.

8. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

8.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic relations laws of the District of Columbia.
8.2 Exclusive Forum. The Parties consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Domestic Relations Branch, for all actions relating to this Agreement, except as expressly provided in Section 8.3.
8.3 Limited Arbitration/Mediation.
(a) Mediation. Except for emergency custody matters, the Parties shall mediate any dispute arising under Sections 4.1, 4.5, or 4.6 with a mediator mutually selected (or appointed by the Court absent agreement).
(b) Arbitration. Financial disputes (excluding child support) not resolved in mediation within [30] days may, by mutual written consent, be submitted to binding arbitration under the JAMS Domestic Relations Rules. Custody or child support issues are not subject to arbitration.
8.4 Injunctive Relief. Either Party may seek immediate injunctive relief, including temporary restraining orders, to prevent irreparable harm.
8.5 Jury Waiver. Jury trial is unavailable in the Domestic Relations Branch; each Party knowingly waives any right thereto.

9. GENERAL PROVISIONS

9.1 Amendment; Waiver. Any modification must be in a writing signed by both Parties and, where required, approved by the Court. No waiver of any breach constitutes a waiver of subsequent breaches.
9.2 Assignment. No Party may assign rights or delegate duties under this Agreement without the other Party’s written consent, except that rights to receive child support belong to the Child(ren) and are not assignable.
9.3 Successors & Assigns. This Agreement is binding on the Parties and their heirs, personal representatives, and permitted assigns.
9.4 Severability. If a provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall be enforced to the fullest extent permitted, and the invalid provision shall be re-written to achieve, as nearly as possible, the original intent.
9.5 Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding of the Parties and supersedes all prior agreements, oral or written, concerning its subject matter.
9.6 Counterparts; Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which is deemed an original, and all of which together constitute one instrument. Signatures transmitted by electronic means (e.g., DocuSign, PDF) are binding.
9.7 Notices. Notices required under this Agreement shall be in writing and deemed given when delivered (i) by hand with signed receipt, (ii) by overnight courier with tracking, or (iii) three days after deposit by certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested, to the Party’s last known address, or to such other address as either Party may designate in writing.
9.8 Headings. Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
9.9 Construction. The Parties acknowledge joint drafting; no presumption against the drafter shall apply.
9.10 Further Assurances. Each Party shall execute and deliver further documents reasonably necessary to carry out the intent of this Agreement.

10. EXECUTION BLOCK

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Marital Settlement Agreement as of the Effective Date.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT (District of Columbia)

District of Columbia, ss:

On this _ day of __, 20____, before me, the undersigned Notary Public in and for the District of Columbia, personally appeared [Spouse A] and [Spouse B], known to me (or satisfactorily proven) to be the persons whose names are subscribed to within this instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same for the purposes therein contained.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and official seal.

Notary Public
My commission expires: _____

[// GUIDANCE: Attach Schedules (A–F) and any Parenting Plan or Child Support Worksheet required by local rule. File a praecipe requesting incorporation of this Agreement into the Judgment of Absolute Divorce.]

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