Article: Go over the written agreement several times with your spouse. Double-check any account numbers or figures against your financial records to make sure they're accurate. In many states, you and your spouse are required to complete financial disclosure forms that outline your separate and marital assets. The accounts and balances on your settlement agreement must match the accounts and balances on your financial disclosure forms. Even if you and your spouse agree on everything contained in your settlement, it's still a good idea to get an attorney who specializes in family law to review the document. They can make sure everything is there that is necessary for the document to be legally binding in your state.  An attorney can also make sure that the format of your agreement will be acceptable for your local court. If you can't afford an attorney, your local family court may have a family court facilitator or self-help clinic that can look over your papers at no charge. Having someone else look over them could save you confusion or potential delays if something isn't written correctly or if you've left out a necessary provision. Most states require divorce settlement agreements to be notarized. You and your spouse need to take the unsigned document together so you can both sign. The notary will verify your identification, witness the signatures, and then affix their seal. Notaries are available at the courthouse and at most banks. Plan on going together so the notary can witness both of your signatures at the same time. If you've already filed a petition for divorce, you typically can file a settlement agreement without having to pay any additional filing fees. If you haven't yet filed for divorce, include your settlement agreement as an attachment to your petition.  Typically you will need to make at least 2 copies of your agreement to file along with the original. The copies are for you and your spouse – the clerk will stamp them filed and return them to you. The court will keep the original. You may want to call the clerk's office ahead of time and find out what the specific requirements are. Each state has its own filing requirements and individual courts may have their own local rules.

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Proofread your agreement carefully. Have an attorney look over your agreement. Sign your agreement in the presence of a notary. File your agreement with the court.