While it is not required, filing a marital settlement agreement does have advantages:

• Lays out all of the agreements in writing, eliminating ambiguities.
  
• The spouses may not have to go to court. The judge might honor the written agreement if it's written correctly and covers all material aspects of the divorce.
  
• Proves to the court that major issues were thought out, and the case will move more quickly though the system.
  
• Marital settlement agreements can be entered into at any time before the final judgment. They are typically filed with the final judgment.