The agreement sets forth the respective rights and duties of the parties with regard to custody and access to children, support payments, distribution of property, debts, taxes, etc. Hopefully, if children are involved, the parties will have reached an agreement concerning custody, visitation and support. Such decisions should not be made without the advice of an attorney. Generally, there are two types of custody under New York law, sole and joint custody. The court's test is what is in the best interest of the child.
Child support is generally determined under the Child Support Standards Act.
This law bases the child support obligation to be paid by the non-custodial parent on a percentage of the combined parental income. Child care costs and health care expenses may be separate from child support. In an uncontested divorce, the parties will normally have previously agreed to such a division of property and debt, and generally the courts will not get involved. Under New York law, college or professional degrees may be determined to be property subject to a value placement and distribution. The agreement is then filed with the County Clerk's Office where either spouse lives.