Settlement Agreement
Comprehensive written agreement covering property division, maintenance, and other obligations; drafted in clear, enforceable terms.
Mediation can reduce cost and delay compared with contested litigation, give parties more control over outcomes, and preserve privacy by keeping settlement details out of public hearings. Written mediated agreements are enforceable when properly executed and submitted to the court for incorporation into the decree.
Typical users include the divorcing parties, mediators, and family law counsel working together to draft an enforceable settlement.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Email link, SMS code, or ID verification per court expectations |
| Signing Order | Sequential or parallel signer order depending on who must sign first |
| Attachments | Include exhibits: financial affidavits, deeds, and parenting schedules |
| Retention | Set secure storage with audit trail and exportable PDF for filing |
Courts and clerks accept PDF and PDF/A formats; some accept DOCX for drafting but require PDF for filing.
Use a platform that preserves an unalterable signed PDF with an audit trail and supports exports for the county e-filing portal or in-person submission.
Often scheduled within 2–6 weeks, depending on mediator availability.
Drafting and review commonly take 1–3 weeks after mediation.
Clerk or judge review times vary widely; expect multiple weeks.
Decree entry can take 2–8 weeks after filing the agreement.
Deed recordings typically process within 1–4 weeks after submission.
Petition for dissolution is filed to start the case.
Court may issue temporary custody, support, or possession orders.
Parties meet with mediator to negotiate settlement terms.
Signed agreement is filed for incorporation into the decree.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Comprehensive written agreement covering property division, maintenance, and other obligations; drafted in clear, enforceable terms.
Detailed schedule and decision-making allocation for children; include exchanges, holidays, and dispute-resolution procedures.
Income, expenses, assets, and liabilities supporting support calculations; attach paystubs and tax returns as exhibits.
Itemized list of marital assets and liabilities with ownership percentages and transfer steps for real property and accounts.
If needed, include temporary custody, support, and possession orders to govern parties before final judgment.
Statement from the mediator summarizing sessions and confirming voluntary, informed agreement when required by local rules.
Recent tax returns, paystubs, bank statements, and retirement statements to validate income and assets.
Recorded deeds and vehicle titles used to support property division and to effect transfers after decree.
Qualified Domestic Relations Order drafts for retirement accounts where distribution or division is required.
School calendars, medical records, and travel schedules that clarify custody and decision-making logistics.
An attorney representing a party reviews settlement language, advises on statutory consequences, and signs to confirm limited-scope representation when applicable. Attorneys ensure agreements comply with Colorado family law and may file documents on behalf of clients.
The mediator facilitates negotiation, prepares a memorandum or certificate of mediation, and may sign to attest that the agreement was reached voluntarily without coercion. Mediator involvement provides evidentiary support for court incorporation.