Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Separation Spousal Support and Child Custody Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Separation, Spousal Support, Child Custody and Support, and Property Settlement Agreement

Agreement made on the , between

of , referred to herein as Wife, and of , referred to herein as Husband.

Whereas, Husband and Wife are now married; and

Whereas, the parties were separated on or about in County, and since that date have been living separate and apart; and

Whereas, the parties are separated and now living separate and apart and desire to make a mutually acceptable settlement of their rights, liabilities, obligations and property rights arising out of and during the course of their marital relationship. No reconciliation is contemplated.

Now, therefore, for and in consideration of the mutual benefits and advantages accruing to each party, the undersigned do hereby solemnly covenant, agree and contract as follows:

I. Child Custody

A. Husband and Wife were married on , and during the course of the marriage, children were born, namely , born , and , born . Both Husband and Wife are proper persons to have the permanent legal and physical custody, care and control of the said minor children of the parties. However, Wife shall have the permanent physical and legal custody, care and control of the minor children of the parties, subject to Husband's reasonable visitation rights as provided in this Agreement. Physical Custody of the children by Wife means that the children shall reside with and shall be under the care and supervision of Wife, subject only to Husband's visitation rights, and other rights stated herein.

B. Both Husband and Wife shall have joint legal custody of the minor children of the parties. Joint Legal Custody means that Husband and Wife shall share the decision-making rights, the responsibilities and the authority relating to the health, education and welfare of the children, and shall, therefore, make joint decisions concerning the children's health, education and welfare. Both Husband and Wife shall exchange information concerning the health, education and welfare of the minor children, and shall confer with one another in the exercise of decision-making rights, responsibilities and authority. Husband and Wife shall have equal access to all medical, dental and school records concerning the minor children. shall be entitled to claim children as dependents for Federal and State Income Tax.

II. Visitation Rights of Husband

Husband shall have reasonable visitation rights with the minor children of the parties and, specifically, shall be entitled to visitation on the first and third weekends of each month beginning at until at to visit with the minor children of the parties; alternating holidays, namely New Year's Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Easter, Memorial Day and July 4th, beginning with ; the children's birthdays at such time as may be reasonable; Fathers Day; and to visit with the children for weeks during the summer holidays from school. Husband shall also have visitation rights with the minor children of the parties at such reasonable times as may be agreed upon by the parties hereto.

III. Child Support

A. Husband shall pay unto Wife the sum of $ per month per child as child support for the children of the parties hereto. The child support payment shall begin on the first day of the month immediately following the month in which this Agreement was executed by both Husband and Wife, and shall thereafter be payable by the day of each month, until the children become self-supportive, emancipated, married or an adult.

B. Life Insurance. Husband agrees to maintain a policy of life insurance in the amount of at least $, naming the children as irrevocable beneficiaries and Wife as trustee of the proceeds of the policy. Husband's obligation to provide life insurance shall abate upon the emancipation of the children as defined below.

IV. Health Insurance and Medical Expenses

A. There are now in existence the following medical, hospitalization and dental insurance policies for the benefit of the children (describe policies including names of insurance company and policy numbers):

Husband shall, at his own cost and expense, maintain these policies and keep them in full force and effect.

B. Unreimbursed, Uncovered Expenses. Husband agrees to pay of any uncovered health-related, unreimbursed health related expenses incurred on behalf of the unemancipated children. The health-related expenses shall include, but not be limited to, medical, dental, hospital, optometric, orthodontic, and prescription drug expenses.

V. Spousal Support

A. Husband agrees to pay to Wife alimony of $ per week. Husband's obligation to pay alimony as set forth in this Agreement shall irrevocably terminate upon the earliest to occur of the following events:

1. Wife's death;

2. Husband's death; or

3. Wife's remarriage.

VI. Emancipation of Children

For the purposes of this Agreement, a child in the custody of Wife shall become emancipated on the occurrence of any one of the following events:

A. The valid marriage of the child;

B. The full and permanent employment of the child gainfully and for a reasonable living wage, excluding vacation and seasonal employment of a temporary nature;

C. The induction, enlistment or entry on active duty in the Armed Services of the United States for a term of service of not less than years.

The emancipation of any child shall be postponed beyond the event that would otherwise result in his or her emancipation if, at the time of such event, the child is enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited institution of higher learning. Instead, the emancipation event for any such child shall be the date of the child's graduation from that institution, provided, however, that the emancipation of any child shall not be extended beyond the child's twenty-third birthday.

VII. Property Settlement

A. Husband and Wife are in possession of all personal property belonging to each, and neither makes any claim to any personal property in the possession of the other.

B. The parties are presently vested with legal title to rental real property located at , hereinafter called the Rental Property. The parties agree that upon the sale of the Rental Property, they shall equally divide the net proceeds from the sale. Net proceeds from the sale shall constitute the funds remaining after all existing mortgages, liens, real estate broker's commissions, and closing costs on the premises are satisfied.

VIII. Legal Representation Disclosure

Each party agrees that each has had the opportunity to discuss this Agreement with an independent attorney of his/her choice. Each agrees to pay their respective attorneys for his/her services.

IX. Further Documents

Each party agrees that he or she will sign and execute any further or additional documents as may be necessary to put into effect the intended purposes hereof.

X. Entire Agreement

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and each party acknowledges that there are no further agreements not expressly included herein and that this Agreement may be modified, altered, or amended only in writing, duly signed and notarized by each in the form of this original.

XI. Fully Read and Understand

Each party represents and acknowledges that he or she has fully read this Agreement, consulted with each other, carefully considered same, and have signed and executed same after such consultation, and after consulting with their respective attorneys, that the signing of this Agreement is free and voluntary without force or collusion by either party or any third party, and that each party signed same with the full knowledge of said party's rights, obligations, and responsibilities.

XII. Modification

This Agreement shall estop and preclude either party from making other or further demands and claims upon the other, not included herein, except that such legal action may be taken by either party as is necessary to enforce or modify the terms and provisions hereof, except that the Property Settlement provision shall not be subject to modification.

XIII. Subsequent Divorce

It is agreed and understood that this Agreement finally settles all rights of the parties and the property jointly or individually owned by the parties, and that this Agreement, and the enforceability thereof, is not contingent upon either party or both parties being granted a divorce on any grounds. However, if either or both parties are granted a divorce on any grounds, the parties agree that this Agreement shall be made a part thereof and that such decree or judgment shall not conflict with the terms hereof.

XIV. Controlling Law

This Agreement shall be governed, enforced and interpreted according to the laws of the State of Oklahoma.

XV. Effective Date

This Agreement shall not be enforceable until duly executed by both Husband and Wife.

XVI. Heirs and Assigns

This Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, administrators, estate and assigns of the parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Husband has executed this Agreement on the and Wife has executed this Agreement on the .

STATE OF OKLAHOMA

COUNTY OF

PERSONALLY appeared before me, the undersigned authority in and for the county and state aforesaid, the with named , who, being by me first duly sworn, states on her oath that the matters and facts set forth in the above and foregoing Separation and Child Custody and Property Settlement Agreement are true and correct as therein stated and that she signed, delivered, and examined the same.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND OFFICIAL SEAL, this the day of , 20.

MY COMMISSION EXPIRES:

STATE OF OKLAHOMA

COUNTY OF

PERSONALLY appeared before me, the undersigned authority in and for the county and state aforesaid, the with named , who, being by me first duly sworn, states on her oath that the matters and facts set forth in the above and foregoing Separation and Child Custody and Property Settlement Agreement are true and correct as therein stated and that he signed, delivered, and examined the same.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND OFFICIAL SEAL, this the day of , 20.

MY COMMISSION EXPIRES:

Enter text✕

What this Separation Spousal Support and Child Custody Agreement covers

A Separation Spousal Support and Child Custody Agreement is a written contract between separating spouses that sets out child custody and parenting time, child support calculations, spousal maintenance or support obligations, payment schedules, dispute resolution, and related parental responsibilities. The document records each party's agreement on day-to-day parenting, legal custody, decision-making for education and healthcare, and financial support, and it may be submitted to a family court for incorporation into an enforceable court order when required.

Why a clear agreement matters for families and courts

A definitive written agreement reduces ambiguity about parenting schedules, financial obligations, and enforcement steps; it protects children's stability and provides proof of parties' intent. When signed consistent with ESIGN and state rules, an electronic copy with an audit trail can serve as admissible evidence in most U.S. jurisdictions.

Why a clear agreement matters for families and courts

Who commonly prepares or signs this agreement

Typical users span people directly involved and the professionals who support them.

  • Separating parents negotiating custody and support who need a clear, written allocation of parenting time and payments.
  • Family law attorneys and mediators drafting terms, reviewing enforceability, and preparing court-ready versions.
  • Court clerks or family court judges when parties ask the court to adopt the agreement as an order.

Each participant’s role affects signature authority, notarization needs, and whether the agreement should be filed with the court.

Core components to include in a professional agreement

A complete Separation Spousal Support and Child Custody Agreement should be organized into distinct sections so terms are clear, enforceable, and easy to reference.

Parties & Recitals

Identify each party by full legal name, current address, relationship to the child(ren), and a brief recital describing separation date and intent to enter an agreement.

Custody and Parenting

Specify legal custody (decision-making), physical custody, a detailed parenting time schedule, holiday and vacation allocations, and procedures for exchanges and transportation responsibilities.

Child Support

State the support amount or formula, payment frequency, start date, income sources considered, and how changes in income or parenting time will be handled.

Spousal Support

Describe monthly or lump-sum maintenance, duration or termination conditions, adjustments for remarriage, and whether support is modifiable under state law.

Enforcement & Remedies

Include late-payment remedies, interest on arrears, contempt provisions, wage assignment authorization, and which court has jurisdiction to enforce the terms.

Modification and Dispute Resolution

Set a process for modification (court petition, mediation, or arbitration), notice periods, and governing law for interpreting the agreement.

Step-by-step completion process

Follow these sequential steps to gather information, draft, and finalize the agreement.

  • 01
    Gather documents: Collect IDs, pay stubs, tax returns, and child information.
  • 02
    Draft terms: Write clear custody, support, and payment provisions.
  • 03
    Review with counsel: Have each party consult an attorney or mediator.
  • 04
    Sign and notarize: Execute signatures per state rules; obtain notarization if required.

How to set up an online signing workflow

Configure a digital workflow to collect signatures, authenticate parties, and retain a tamper-evident record.

Field Configuration
Upload Document Start with a PDF or DOCX of the final agreement.
Add Signers List parties in signing order with emails and roles.
Authentication Use email plus optional SMS or knowledge-based checks.
Storage Save final PDF with an audit trail and downloadable copy.

Where to file, serve, or submit the signed agreement

Understand the typical submission destinations and service steps to make the agreement enforceable.

  • File with Family Court: Submit the agreement to the clerk to request incorporation into an order.
  • Serve the Other Party: Provide the signed agreement to the opposing party per court rules.
  • Request Entry: Ask a judge to adopt terms into a final order when required.
  • Keep Certified Copies: Retain certified or court-stamped copies for enforcement purposes.

Technical formats, integrations, and file requirements

Use commonly accepted file formats and platforms so the signed agreement is widely accessible and court-ready.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX are standard; preserve layout and page numbering.
  • Integrations: Connectors like Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and NetSuite simplify storage and routing.
  • Audit records: Require a timestamped audit trail showing signer attribution and actions.

Ensure the chosen platform supports secure storage, audit trails, and the authentication level your jurisdiction or court expects.

Typical timelines and processing expectations

Timing varies by court and jurisdiction; the following are common milestones to plan around.

Temporary Orders:

Courts may issue temporary custody/support orders within days to weeks of filing.

Agreement Review Period:

Allow time for each party’s counsel to review—commonly 7–30 days.

Filing for Final Order:

Filing and hearing dates can be weeks to months depending on court backlog.

Payment Start Date:

Specify the payment start date; common practice is the date of separation or effective date.

Notice Requirements:

Include any notice periods for modification or relocation as required by state law.

Key milestones from negotiation to court entry

A sequential view helps track progress from initial talks through final court adoption.

01

Negotiation

Parties agree on custody and support terms and document core items.

02

Drafting

Draft the written agreement with specific schedules and payment terms.

03

Execution

Parties sign, and notarization occurs if required by jurisdiction.

04

Court Filing

File for incorporation or approval if enforcement as an order is desired.

Penalties and legal risks of an incorrect or incomplete agreement

Non-Enforceable Terms: Court may refuse to adopt vague or illegal provisions.
Arrearage Liability: Missed support payments can create arrears and enforcement actions.
Tax Consequences: Incorrect reporting of support can affect tax filings and withholding.
Service Defects: Improper service can void enforcement or delay hearings.
Perjury/False Statements: Material misrepresentations may lead to sanctions or criminal exposure.
Modification Exposure: Poor drafting may enable easy modification against original intent.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the agreement

  • Using vague custody language that leaves exchange logistics undefined, creating future disputes and court clarification needs.
  • Listing support as 'as agreed' without a calculation method or fallback formula for changes in income.
  • Failing to include precise payment instructions (account, method, remittance address), producing compliance problems.
  • Omitting signature witness or notarization when the court or state law requires it for enforceability.

Typical signers and their authority

Client — Parent

The parent signs to accept custody schedules and support obligations; signature indicates intent and consent. If a parent is a signer on behalf of a minor, the parent should identify their authority and relationship.

Family Law Attorney

An attorney signs to acknowledge review or to notarize a client signature when acting as authorized witness or notary; attorney signatures do not substitute for party signatures unless specifically authorized in writing.

Security and compliance controls to look for when finalizing electronically

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Audit Trail: Timestamp, IP, and action log included
Regulatory Compliance: ESIGN and UETA adherence
HIPAA Support: BAA available where needed
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001
Accessibility: WCAG 2.0 Level AA compatibility

Practical examples of online agreement workflows

The following examples illustrate real organizations processing legal documents online and the practical outcomes they report.

Optica Ventures LLC

The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

  • Use simplified templates to speed execution.
  • The company processes standard agreements online, reducing turnaround and administrative overhead while maintaining an audit trail for compliance.

Martin Properties

I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security.

  • Mobile and offline capabilities help field staff execute forms.
  • Property management scaled execution across locations, demonstrating how consistent templates and eSignature reduce delays in time-sensitive agreements.

Practical tips for accurate and efficient completion

Adopt these best practices to minimize disputes, speed processing, and improve enforceability.

Use explicit, unambiguous language
Define terms and schedules precisely, include times, locations, and responsible parties to reduce later disagreements and court interpretation.
Attach supporting exhibits
Add income statements, custody calendars, and payment instructions as labeled exhibits to avoid reconstitution disputes and facilitate court review.
Confirm signer identity
Use a documented authentication method (email + SMS or KBA) and require ID verification when possible to strengthen attribution evidence.
Document the negotiation
Keep records of drafts and communications so the court can review voluntariness and informed consent if needed.

Comparing eSignature vendors for executing family law agreements

A quick vendor comparison highlights starting prices, core features, and basic compliance capabilities relevant to legal agreements and document workflows.

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 free 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

Frequently asked questions about execution and enforceability

Answers to common legal and technical questions about signing, notarization, modification, and retention for separation and custody agreements.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users