DID YOU KNOW BY ATTORNEY F.M. ZAVALA

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS IN FAMILY COURT MUST BE SIGNED BY THE PARTIES

Under Family Code 664.6 if parties to pending dissolution or paternity case stipulate, in a writing signed by the parties outside of the presence of the court or orally before the court, for settlement of the case, or part thereof, the court, upon motion, may enter judgment pursuant to the terms of the settlement.

If requested by the parties, the court may retain jurisdiction over the parties to enforce the settlement until performance in full of the terms of the settlement.

The settlement must be signed by the parties themselves.

In addition to any available civil remedies, an attorney who signs a writing on behalf of a party without the party’s express authorization shall, absent good cause, be subject to professional discipline.