Once a divorce is settled, the parties and their attorneys need to appear before a judge for an uncontested hearing. The judge reviews the separation agreement and parties’ respective financial statements and makes an independent determination that the agreement is fair and reasonable, and provides adequately for the parties and their children.
In other matters that are not divorce actions, it is possible that if a full agreement is reached, the parties will not have to appear in court, but instead may submit comprehensive signed agreements, with supporting paperwork for the judge to approve administratively.