[CA] My wife and I are getting a divorce. What documents should I have her sign releasing her parenting rights and alimony?
My wife and I are getting a divorce. She says I can have our 4-year-old child. What documents should I have her sign releasing her parenting rights and agreeing not to come after me for alimony?
16
5
Solved
You could construct what’s called a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) — it’s essentially a contract that becomes part of your final divorce decree.
Here’s a California example you can look at: Stanislaus County MSA Addendum
That document outlines agreements about:
- Custody and visitation
- Child support (if any)
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Division of property
0
California Marital Settlement Agreement
Create Document
Full Conversation
My wife and I are getting a divorce. She says I can have our 4-year-old child. What documents should I have her sign releasing her parenting rights and agreeing not to come after me for alimony?
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand this must be a difficult time for you. Have you and your wife discussed custody and alimony arrangements with the help of a family lawyer?
Yes, please.
Lexi, Chatbot
Have you considered creating a formal parenting plan outlining custody arrangements for your child?
I don’t know.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the family lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with custody arrangements.
No.
Elizabeth
Hi there! My name is Liz, and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade. I’m here to assist with your legal concerns. To best help — in what state are you divorcing?
California. We were married in the Philippines.
We’ve been married for almost 6 years.
Elizabeth
Thank you for clarifying that. Have you formed any settlement agreement yet?
Nothing as of right now — she just wants to go back to the Philippines, and I can have the baby.
Elizabeth
A settlement agreement can be a good step since it sets the terms of the divorce.
You can review California’s instructions and forms here.
Although, if she leaves without signing anything, you could still request full custody through the divorce.
Is there a document I can create for her to sign to release custody and alimony?
Elizabeth
You could construct what’s called a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) — it’s essentially a contract that becomes part of your final divorce decree.
Here’s a California example you can look at: Stanislaus County MSA Addendum
That document outlines agreements about:
- Custody and visitation
- Child support (if any)
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Division of property
I’m sorry, could you break that down in simple terms?
Elizabeth
When you get divorced, the court issues a final judgment called a divorce decree.
That decree officially ends your marriage and lists everything that was agreed on — including who gets custody of your child, how property is divided, and whether anyone owes alimony.
If you and your wife already agree on everything, you can write it all down in a settlement agreement.
- You both sign it.
- Then you submit it to the court with your divorce paperwork.
- The judge reviews it and, if everything looks good, makes it part of your final divorce decree.
That’s the legal and safest way for her to agree to give you custody and waive alimony.
Elizabeth
40,904 satisfied customers
12 lawyers online now
Disclaimer
By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.
The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.
Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.
