_______________________, referred to as HUSBAND, and _______________________, referred to as WIFE, declare and agree:

The parties were married on __________________ at _______________________________, and, WHEREAS, it is possible that the marriage may not have complied with all legal requirements, now, the parties hereby ratify said marriage to one another, waive any and all of such informalities and acknowledge that they are legally married and husband and wife.

Dated: ____________________

_________________________________
_______________________ By Husband

_________________________________
_______________________ By Wife

Witnesses as to HUSBAND:

_________________________________

_________________________________

Witnesses as to WIFE:
_________________________________

_________________________________

Ratification of Marriage
Review List

This review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation.  If you believe ratification of your marriage is a prudent step, be sure this document is witnessed by several people.  As an extra ounce of precaution, you should probably get it notarized as well.

We are believers in the power of ratification in most legal circumstances.  It eliminates much of the “I didn’t mean it” argument so often used by attorneys challenging the validity of agreements, especially those entered into without legal counsel.  If in doubt at all about your marriage’s validity, then, get this document signed, sealed, and delivered.

1. Make multiple copies.  A copy should be in your file related to your marriage; another in your home safe; one with your lawyer.

Name of each Spouse:
Address:

Phone:
Date of Birth, each:
SSN, each:

Date and Place of Marriage:
Do you have a copy of the marriage certificate?
Previous Marriages, by either or both:

Number of Years Living in Current State:
Residence of State since, each:

Employment Experience

First Spouse:
Second Spouse:

Premarital Agreement (if so, attach):

Children

Name of each Child:
Date of Birth:
SSN:
Parent(s):

Temporary Child Support Sought

Custodial Parent will seek temporary child support of $ _________ per month, per child.

Temporary Alimony Sought

Custodial Parent will seek temporary alimony of $ _________ per month, per child.

Marital Home:

The home will be sold, and the net proceeds will be divided in the following percentages:
Custodial Parent __%; Non-Custodial Parent __%.

Financial Information

Balance Sheet

Assets

Spouse 1    Spouse 2        Joint
House
Checking Accounts
Savings Accounts
Certificates of Deposits
Stocks
Bonds
IRAs
Retirement Plans
Pension Plans
Life Insurance (Cash Value)
Business Property
Accounts Receivable
Loans
Vehicles
Boats
Jewelry
Clothing
Sporting Equipment
Collections
Other Assets

Total Assets:

Liabilities

Real Estate Mortgage
Home Equity Loan
Credit Card Debt
Vehicle Loans
Student Loans
Other Debts

Total Liabilities:

Net Worth (Assets-Liabilities):

Monthly Income

Spouse 1        Spouse 2        Joint

Salary (gross)
Bonuses/Commissions
Investment Accounts
Rental Property
Other Income

Total Income (Monthly):

Monthly Expenses

Spouse 1        Spouse 2        Joint

Housing (Mortgage & Taxes)
Auto (loans/expenses)
Food
Clothing
Child Care & Education
Income Taxes (including SS; all deduct)
Insurance (life/disability)
Insurance (property)
Utilities
Phone/Subscriptions of all kinds
Health Care/Medicine
Recreation
Student Loans
Home Maintenance
Alimony (Previous)
Child Support (Previous)
Charity
Miscellaneous (10% or more)

Total Expenses:

Other Information

Divorce Work Sheet
Review List

This review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation.  A Divorce Worksheet is not a legal document, and therefore, does not require any signature, witnesses, or notarization.  It is merely a worksheet to assemble information about you and your family if you are preparing for a meeting with an advisor regarding a divorce.

If you live in a community property state, the rules are different.  The following states have adopted community property laws: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.  Division of property in community property states also requires a determination as to whether the property was brought into the marriage or acquired during the marriage.  The issues become very complicated if separate property is commingled with marital property or if the couple resided in both a community property state and a non-community property state during the marriage.

Date:

To:  Whom It May Concern:

Please forward to my attention a marriage license for:

Exact Names:
Date of Marriage:
Town or City:
Location:

Please send a copy of the marriage certificate to me as soon as possible.

Enclosed is my credit card information for your use to pay for my request:

Credit Card Number:
Expiration Date:
Exact Name on Card:

If you require a check instead, please send me the amount due in the enclosed stamped self-addressed envelope and I will send it to you by return mail.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter,

Best regards,

_____________
Signer

Marriage License, Request for
Review List

This review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation.  Keep a copy of the transaction so you can send in a second notice.  We recommend you make a phone call, if possible, to the proper location first to find out whether you need to have a bank check instead of a credit card, the correct amount of the total charge, and the proper department to send it to.  On the other hand, if you have time and are not in a hurry, it can be less frustrating and just as effective in the long term, to send out an initial letter and let the bureaucracy grind slowly and respond at its pace.

A marriage license is needed for divorce filings and a host of other matters.  If you do not have one in your safe or home files, you are well advised to get one and put it with your important papers.

WHEREAS, _____________, and _____________, are presently residing together and have been doing so since _____________;

and, WHEREAS, they desire to affix their respective rights and liabilities that may result from this joint residency;

They now agree:

Other than property purchased in the parties joint names each party waives any claim to assets acquired by the other party before, during or after this period of co-habitation.

Other than debts validly contracted for services or materials or otherwise related to joint property of the parties, if any, neither party shall have the right to obligate, act for, contract for or represent the other party.

This is the full agreement of the parties and there are no agreements other than those stated herein. This agreement shall only be modified by a writing executed by both parties hereto.

**** READ CAREFULLY AS THIS IS A LEGALLY BINDING AGREEMENT****

DATED: ____________________________

___________________________________________
First Party
Social Security Number:

___________________________________________
Second Party
Social Security Number:

___________________________________________
Third Party, if applicable
Social Security Number:

___________________________________________
Fourth Party, if applicable
Social Security Number:

Shared Residency Agreement, Simple & Past
Review List

This review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation.  This Residency Sharing Agreement should be used when an agreement was not in place when the residency started.  It is a well care document that is more limited than the longer one appearing in this section.  This one is not preferable but sometimes is all that you can get signed.  With the theory that some agreement is better than none, we provide it here.

If younger people are involved, you are advised to get “nearest relative” information and, if you deem advisable, get back up payment guarantees from them, especially in college sharing situations.  You can take a number of preventative measures to limit your liabilities in this day and age.  Your landline phone, for example, can just have local unlimited service with no long distance provider.  This can eliminate disputes about who called Paris!

Cell phones can handle long distance, or the party can use prepaid phone cards.  Use technology to offload shared liabilities and you will benefit enormously.  Another approach is to prepay a fund for general utilities so you don’t have to scramble at month end.  And, finally, it is always the solvent party who gets leaned on to “come up” with the money on short notice.  So, if you are that party, this agreement is for you.

Longer term shared relationships and residencies can benefit from the same document that can be amended over time.  As with a Will, don’t put additional pressure on yourself by trying to make it “forever.”  One year in this kind of relationship is sufficient.  If the relationship continues, then you can extend it and the shared trust will only make it that much more effective.

1. Make multiple copies.  Get the information on the nearest relatives, if possible.  Give each party, including the nearest relatives, signed copies.  If you have more than four parties to the Agreement, add them to it.

_____________, referred to herein as HUSBAND and _______________, referred to as WIFE, agree:

The parties were lawfully married on _____________ at __________, _________. Difficulties have occurred between the parties, and they have agreed to live separate and apart.

The parties nevertheless desire to resolve certain issues and consequently, have entered into this agreement.

The parties have ___ children born of this marriage, named:
__________________________________________________________ born, ______________________________________, respectively.

The parties have made a complete disclosure to one another of financial matters and each is satisfied that they have had sufficient disclosure of the parties individual and joint finances.

The parties have each been advised by advisors of their own choice regarding their legal rights and any disclosures made herein.

The husband shall assume the following debts, and hold the wife harmless from the same:
_______________________________________________________________

The wife shall assume the following debts, and hold the husband harmless from the same:
_______________________________________________________________

Neither party shall incur any further debts which may result in joint liability. In the event that either party incurs a debt on joint credit of the parties, they shall be responsible for the same.

As child support, HUSBAND shall pay support weekly the sum of $ ____ (___________&___/100 dollars).

The HUSBAND shall maintain ______ insurance for the benefit of _____________________.

Personal property of the parties shall be divided as follows:

The HUSBAND shall have the following property:
_______________________________________________________________

The WIFE shall have the following property:
_______________________________________________________________

If any debts are associated with the items of property divided herein, the party receiving the same shall assume the debt and hold the other party harmless from such debts.

Any property not specifically divided herein shall be subject to distribution at a later time.

The ___________________ shall have temporary possession of the residence owned by the parties located at _____________________.  Expenses related to the residence shall be borne by the parties as follows:

Husband: ________________
Wife: ___________________

The parties agree that this agreement is intended to be a final disposition of the matters agreed upon herein. This agreement may be introduced into evidence and incorporated in a final decree of dissolution of marriage. In the event that any disputes occur regarding this agreement the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable counsel fees regarding such enforcement.

THIS IS A LEGALLY ENFORCEABLE AGREEMENT. READ CAREFULLY AND OBTAIN LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE EXECUTING THIS AGREEMENT.

Dated: __________________________________

_______________________________________________
______________________________________, HUSBAND

_______________________________________________
_________________________________________, WIFE
Witnesses as to HUSBAND:

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Witnesses as to WIFE:

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Pre-Divorce Agreement
Review List

This review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation.   Pre-divorce agreements can save a ton of time, money, and emotional pain.  The paying party needs the time and emotional freedom to earn the money to fund the agreement.  This is a factor often misunderstood by the receiving party.  Lawyers can easily fan the flames and consume the family assets in a fight or worse yet, a war, over what there is.

If one party or the other has not provided clear and complete disclosure of assets, then that part of the agreement can be challenged easily—and overturned frequently—while leaving the rest in place so the parties can get on with their future life and responsibilities.

1.  Make multiple copies.  Get multiple witnesses.  Hold firm to the agreement should lawyers arise on the other side.  The more aggressive the lawyer on the other side, the wiser it is to hang on to this agreement.

____________________, referred to as PARENT, and ____________________, referred to as CHILD, agree:

WHEREAS, CHILD and PARENT are both over the age of 21, and further, WHEREAS, they desire to affect a legal change in their relationship so that CHILD will be regarded as the legal and lawful child and issue of PARENT, it is AGREED:

That CHILD shall be considered the legal issue of PARENT for all purposes.

Furthermore, the Child agrees that he/she has reached their majority, 21, and is fully independent of Parents as far as legal and financial responsibilities are concerned for their welfare.  Child and Parent agree to make copies of this agreement available to any parties having an interest or stating a possible interest in this matter.

In the event that court or spousal approval is required by law, this agreement shall not become effective until such approvals.   However, notwithstanding this statement, this Agreement shall be in full force and effect to the extent possible.

Dated: _______________________________

______________________________________________
_________________________ By Parent (s)

______________________________________________
____________________ By Child

______________________________________________
Witness:  Print Name

Child, Legal Issue & Majority Status
Review List

This review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation.  This agreement provides for formal ratification that the child is independent of the parents with regard to their legal and financial responsibilities.  Although this is often not technically necessary, it is a well care document well worth having, especially if the child is engaged in substantial financial or high-risk activities.

1.  Make multiple copies.  Have a witness sign it.

Whereas, ______________________ and ___________________, are the parent and natural guardians of the following child (ren):
_______________________________________________________________

I designate _____________ of ___________, _________ to act as guardian of the minor child (ren) stated above upon my incapacity to so act.

Should _____________ be unable or unwilling to serve, I nominate _____________ of _________, _________ to act as the guardian of the minor children in the place of _____________.

Upon my disability, the designated guardian shall have the following authority:
a) Residential custody of the minor child (ren);
b) Approve medical treatment of any kind or type or to disapprove the same within the bounds of the law;
c) Designate schooling for the minor children, and access to any and all of their educational records;
d) Generally act in loco parentis.

In the event that I am the custodian of any property for the minor children under the Uniform Transfer to Minor’s Act, or the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act or similar statute,  I designate the guardian or successor guardian to act as custodian for all such custodial property.

In the event that formal legal proceedings are commenced to establish a guardian for the child, it is my desire that the guardians mentioned herein have priority in appointment.

The failure to list an individual as a guardian or successor guardian is intentional.

Dated: __________________________

________________________________________________________________
Principal(s)

STATE OF ________________
COUNTY OF _______________

Before me, the undersigned authority personally appeared the above signatory (signatories) who acknowledged to me execution of this durable power of attorney.

_____________________________________________________________________
Notary
Commission Expires:

Guardian of Minor Children, Conditional
Review List

This review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation.  This document is a good well care document to have to put your financial affairs in order.  It permits the rapid assumption of authority should an accident or other unexpected circumstance impair your ability to act as a parent.  This is a particularly important document for single parents.  The designated guardian (s) need not sign the document.  It is up to you whether you wish to inform these people of this circumstance.

Unless you engage in dangerous occupations such as a soldier, high altitude climber, or like occupation, you are unlikely to have need of this document.  But, if you do work in a high-risk occupation, and are a single parent, this is an important document for your children’s protection and smooth transition should something happen to you.

The notary step expedites matters since courts like notaries and official documentation of this kind.  Make multiple copies.  Be sure they are readily available should something happen to you, otherwise they will lose their effectiveness.

This Agreement made this _(1)_ day of _______(2)________, ____(3)_, by and between
___________(4)____________, of ___________(5)_______________, and _________(6)
__________ of ___________(7)_______________.
WHEREAS, the parties contemplate legal marriage under the laws of the State of
________(8)________; and
WHEREAS, it is their mutual desire to enter into this Agreement whereby they will
regulate their relationships toward each other with respect to the property each of them own and
in which each of them has an interest.

Now, therefore, it is agreed as follows:

1. That all properties of any kind or nature, real, personal or mixed, wherever the same
may be found, which belong to each party, shall be and forever remain the personal estate of
said party, including all interest, rents and profits which may accrue therefrom.

2. That each party shall have at all times the full right and authority, in all respects the
same as each would have if not married, to use, enjoy, manage, convey and encumber such
property as may belong to him or her.

3. That each party may make such disposition of his or her property as the case may be,
by gift or will during his or her lifetime, as each sees fit; and in the event of the decease of one of
the parties, the survivor shall have no interest in the property of the estate of the other, either by
way of inheritance, succession, family allowance or homestead.

4. That each party, in the event of a separation, shall have no right as against the other
by way of claims for support, alimony, attorney fees, costs, or division of property.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement.

_____________(9)_______________
_____________(10)______________

Divorce General Release

________________ (“Husband”) of _________________________ and _____________
(“Wife”) of ____________________________ entered into a divorce and Separation Agreement that provided for various financial payments between the parties and covered all financial aspects of their marriage and divorce settlement.

Husband and Wife now agree that they completely and absolutely discharged their individual and collective obligations under that Agreement in full to each other and to any children involved in the Agreement and hereby offer a general and final mutual release and hold harmless Agreement to the other.

As a final declaration, Husband and Wife hereby release each other and hold each other harmless for all obligations of any kind prior to today’s date.  It is the absolute and final intent of Husband and Wife that they hereinafter have no financial obligations of any kind between themselves and never expect to have any in the future.

Any changes to this agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.  Any disputes must be brought in the state of ____________________.

In witness hereof, each party has signed this General Release.

________________            __________________
Husband                Wife

Date:

Divorce General Release
Review List

This review list is provided to inform you about this document and assist you in its preparation.  Although this document is not strictly required after the financial arrangements have been completed in a divorce, it is an extremely efficient instrument to summarize the completion of the transaction and experience.  It particularly serves to tie up any loose ends on the subject relating to Estate Planning for the parties.

It also puts the former payer’s mind to rest that the deal is finally “done.”  Having said that, however, the receiver of the money is sometimes reluctant to “let go” of the club the divorce agreement gave them.  This reluctance, if seen by the other party, can serve to alert them that, despite the documents and the completion of them, it isn’t “over” yet—and they can be rightfully vigilant with regard to any new problems arising relating to the old agreement and relationship.

1.    Make multiple copies.  Give one to both parties so they each have an original.  After signature, make copies and keep them with all copies of your Estate Plan and/or Will, as well as with the Divorce file itself.
2.    To the payer, best of luck in getting this document signed!

___________________________ hereby ratifies that a certain contract entered into with _______________, on _________ related to ________________, and hereby appended, was entered into when ___________________________ was a minor.   Notwithstanding that fact, the contract shall be enforceable to the extent permissible by law for a minor.

Dated: _______________________________

__________________________________________________
___________________________ By Principal

__________________________________________________
___________________________ By Minor

Minor, Contract Status
Review List

This review list is provided to inform you about this document in question and assist you in its preparation.  The document can be used as an Exhibit to an original contract, which is a wise idea, for those agreements involving minor children.  In addition, it can be used after the fact, as it is here, to ratify the understanding of the parties.

To strengthen the Agreement by the non-minor principal, get a parent or guardian to sign on behalf of the minor child.

1. Make multiple copies.  Give one to each party, especially the parent or guardian if the principal succeeds in getting their signature.