What is the purpose of a marital settlement agreement?

A marital settlement agreement serves as a crucial document that outlines the specific terms agreed upon by both parties in a divorce. By creating a binding agreement, it formalizes the division of assets and debts, determines alimony or spousal support, and addresses child custody and support. This written agreement is essential for providing clarity and preventing misunderstandings between the parties involved.

While other aspects of divorce, such as legal processes and visitation rights, may be addressed in various documents or discussions, the primary function of the marital settlement agreement is to ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of their financial and support obligations post-divorce. This agreement is often presented in court, and once approved, it becomes part of the court's final decree, making it legally enforceable. Thus, option C accurately captures the primary role of a marital settlement agreement in divorce proceedings.