Spousal Support: Spousal Support Release

The Spousal Support Release provision outlines whether the parties agree to release each other from future claims for spousal support. It provides clarity on the conditions under which spousal support obligations are considered fulfilled, ensuring no further claims for support can be made after the specified terms have been met.

Options:

1. Spousal Support Release (Yes or No):

   • Yes (Default): Both parties agree to release each other from any future claims for spousal support once the terms of the agreement have been fulfilled. This ensures that neither party can request spousal support at any point in the future, providing finality to the financial arrangement.

   • No: Spousal support is not released, and either party may request support in the future, depending on changes in financial circumstances.

2. Upon Payment of the Spousal Support Set Out in This Agreement (Yes or No):

   • Yes (Default): Selecting Yes means that once the full amount of spousal support outlined in the agreement has been paid, both parties agree to a full release of any future claims for spousal support. This option is typically used when spousal support is paid either in a lump sum or through regular payments that fulfill the terms of the agreement.

   • Example: Once the payor has fully paid the agreed-upon spousal support, they are released from any further spousal support obligations, and the recipient cannot make any future claims.

   • No: Selecting No means that even after the spousal support outlined in the agreement has been paid, there may still be room for future claims for spousal support, depending on changes in circumstances.

3. Upon Completion of the Property Settlement Set Out in This Agreement (Yes or No):

   • Yes (Default): Selecting Yes means that upon the completion of the property division or settlement as outlined in the agreement, both parties will be released from any future claims for spousal support. This provision ties the finalization of the property settlement to the release of spousal support obligations.

   • Example: Once the property settlement is fully completed, both parties agree that there will be no further spousal support claims, effectively settling all financial matters in the separation.

   • No: Selecting No means that spousal support obligations and claims will remain separate from the property settlement. Even after the property settlement is completed, spousal support may still be requested or adjusted in the future.

Benefits:

• Finality and Clarity: By linking the release of spousal support to the full payment of support or completion of the property settlement, this provision provides a clear end to financial obligations between the parties, ensuring that no further claims can be made once the terms of the agreement have been met.
• Flexibility: The inclusion of additional options allows for more tailored agreements, giving both parties the opportunity to tie spousal support release to specific financial milestones, such as full payment of support or property settlement completion.
• Predictability: Provides a predictable and structured resolution to financial matters, giving both parties confidence that their financial obligations will conclude once the agreed-upon terms are fulfilled.

Why This Matters:

The Spousal Support Release provision, along with the options for linking it to the full payment of spousal support or completion of the property settlement, ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of when financial obligations will end. This provides security and finality to the agreement, while also offering flexibility based on the specific circumstances of the case.