> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pylon.mortgage/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Separation Agreement for Support Obligations

> Provide the complete separation agreement when separate maintenance or similar obligations affect the borrower’s liabilities.

## What this task is

This task collects the **executed separation agreement** when the borrower has **separate maintenance expense or similar support obligations** that impact their financial profile.
A separation agreement may:

* Establish **support payments** before a divorce is finalized, and
* Allocate **responsibility for certain debts and expenses** between the parties.

## When this task is required

This task is required when:

* A liability is categorized as **separate maintenance expense** or similar, and
* The underwriter must understand:
  * The **amount and frequency** of the obligation, and
  * The **expected duration** of the payments.

It may also be requested when the borrower discloses **ongoing support or separation-related obligations** outside of a final divorce decree.

## Why this task is required

As with other support obligations, separate maintenance can meaningfully affect:

* The borrower’s **monthly budget and [DTI](/entity-models/key-concepts/dti)**, and
* The lender’s assessment of **repayment capacity**.

The separation agreement provides:

* A **legal framework** that defines payment amounts and responsibilities.
* Clarity on whether obligations are **temporary, conditional, or long-term**.
* Documentation needed to comply with **agency or investor guidelines** for recurring obligations.

Without this agreement, the underwriter may have to **assume a more conservative impact** on the borrower’s liabilities or treat the file as incomplete.

## Documents needed to resolve this task

To satisfy this task, provide:

* The **complete, legible separation agreement**, including:
  * All sections addressing **financial obligations, support payments, and debt allocation**.
  * Any **amendments or modifications** that alter the original terms.
* If additional court orders or subsequent agreements modify support obligations, provide those documents as well.

These materials allow the underwriter to include any **separation-related obligations** in the borrower's financial analysis accurately and in line with guidelines.