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Spousal support is most often an issue when one divorcing spouse makes a lot more money than the other. It can also be an issue if one spouse has taken time off work and was dependent on the other spouse as a result. If you do not include spousal support in your divorce settlement agreement, the judge will decide this issue for you when you get divorced. Spousal support is most common when one spouse quits work to stay home with the couple's small children. Spousal support is also common if one spouse makes a lot more money than the other, and as a result, the other spouse has become accustomed to a particular lifestyle. In your agreement, you can specify not only the amount of spousal support but the length of time those payments will be made. You can also decide whether you'll simply pay the money between yourselves or have the paying spouse's wages garnished. If you decide that neither of you will receive any spousal support, include a statement that says something like "Each of us gives up any right to spousal support that we may have." Which divorcing spouse gets to keep any marital pets is an issue that can be just as fraught as child custody for many couples. However, as part of your settlement agreement, you can establish rules regarding your pets that are just as detailed as parenting plans for children. As long as the two of you agree, the arrangement can be enforced in court. For example, you might decide that your spouse will have full ownership of your dogs, but that you can take them every other weekend. You can even agree that the non-custodial spouse will pay a certain amount each month to help with the cost of food, supplies, and veterinary bills. You may also want to specify your pet's veterinarian or make agreements regarding how often your pet will be taken to the vet for regular check-ups. All states have specific guidelines for calculating how much child support should be paid, and by which spouse. You typically cannot deviate from these requirements unless strict conditions are met. Most states have specific forms you'll need to fill out that show how you calculated child support and describe the specifics of your parenting plan. Talk to the clerk of the court where you filed (or plan to file) for divorce. These forms are also often available for download from the court's website. While you can outline the specifics of your child support agreement and parenting plan in the body of your settlement agreement, it's generally easier to fill out the required forms and incorporate them by reference. For example, under the section in your agreement labeled "Child Support and Custody," you could write "The state child support and parenting plan worksheets are attached and incorporated into this agreement by reference." If your local child support agency is involved in your case, they will likely have to sign off on your parenting plan and child support agreement. Even in the midst of a divorce, it's natural for parents to want to provide for their children's future. If you and your spouse have made any agreements regarding future expenses for your children, you can include those in your settlement agreement. For example, if your spouse has opened a savings account that they contribute to for your child's college expenses, you would include the account number, balance, and financial institution of that account, along with a statement regarding the purpose of the funds. If you or your spouse agree to contribute funds for your child's college or other expenses in the future, you may be able to deduct a portion of those amounts from any child support payments. Talk to a family law attorney or family court facilitator about how this works.
Decide if either of you will receive spousal support from the other. Describe any agreement regarding pets you own. Check your state's guidelines about child support and parenting plans. Add any other agreements related to inheritance or college expenses.