Divorce can be a tough and emotional process. To make things easier, use a clear checklist for your divorce settlement. It helps you stay organized and ensures you cover all important issues. This checklist outlines an example of a marital settlement agreement (MSA) so you can understand what to consider and what decisions you’ll need to make.

1. Alimony/Maintenance

Decide if one spouse will pay the other alimony (financial support).
Determine the amount and duration of payments.
This is a crucial part of any checklist for divorce settlement.

2. Health Insurance and Expenses

Discuss who will continue to provide health insurance.
Address how health expenses will be covered.
Ensure these details are included in your divorce settlement checklist.

3. Real Estate/Marital Residence

Decide whether you will keep the marital home or sell it.
Determine how you will divide the home’s value.
Include real estate details in your marital settlement agreement example.

4. Financial Assets

Divide non-retirement financial assets like bank accounts and investments.
Discuss stock options or restricted stock.
An essential element of any checklist for divorce settlement.

5. Personal Property

Decide who gets what in terms of personal belongings and household items.
Include details on vehicles and auto leases.
Important for your divorce settlement checklist.

6. Debts

Divide any debts, such as credit card balances and loans.
Address how each party will handle any joint debts.
A key aspect of the checklist for a divorce settlement.

7. Tax Issues

Decide if you will file a joint tax return for the current year.
Determine who will get any tax refunds or pay any taxes due.
A common element in a marital settlement agreement example.

8. Attorney’s Fees

Discuss who will pay for the attorney’s fees.
Decide if these costs will be shared.
Always include attorney’s fees in your divorce settlement checklist.

9. Child Support

Determine the amount of child support to be paid.
Set a payment schedule and discuss any potential changes in the future.
Child support is a critical part of a checklist for divorce settlement.

10. Parental Responsibility

Agree on how parenting time and responsibilities will be shared.
Include details on decision-making for the child’s upbringing.
This should be clear in your marital settlement agreement example.

11. Child’s Health and Expenses

Decide who will provide health insurance for the child.
Address how non-covered health expenses will be shared.
An essential part of your divorce settlement checklist.

12. Child’s Education and Activities

Discuss how to cover costs for the child’s education, including daycare and college.
Address expenses for extracurricular activities and hobbies.
Ensure these are included in your checklist for divorce settlement.

13. Income Tax Exemption for Children

Decide which parent will claim the child on tax returns.
Consider rotating this benefit each year.

A clear marital settlement agreement checklist can help make the divorce process smoother and less stressful. By addressing these points, you and your spouse create a fair and organized settlement. Whether you have children or not, this guide gives you a clear framework to navigate your divorce settlement checklist.