Separation Agreement filing question

[sjnelson]

I was under the impression that if you had a separation agreement drawn up, signed and notorized where it addresses property distribution/alimony, that you didn’t have to “file” it with the courts. Your website however seems to indicate differently based on what I’ve copied below. What does it mean when it says “previously filed claims”?

“These rights are permanently and irrevocably forfeited when you obtain a divorce without having previously filed claims for property distribution and alimony.”

Thank you

[Kathleen_Putiri]

If you have settled everything using a separation agreement, you do not have to file claims. The portion quoted means, that if you don’t have everything settled, and you don’t have a claim pending at the time the divorce is granted, you lose your right to those claims.