<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<section article="gfl" article_name="Family Law" number="5-1016" title_number="5" title_name="Children" subtitle_number="10" subtitle_name="Paternity Proceedings">
  <level label="a">
    <level label="1">
      <text>Before or after the filing of a complaint, the alleged father may propose a settlement concerning the child’s support whether the alleged father admits or denies paternity.</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>The proposed contribution may be in a lump sum, installments, or otherwise.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <text>A settlement agreement shall be prepared, executed, and submitted to the court for approval if:</text>
    <level label="1">
      <text>the complainant agrees to accept the settlement;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>the attorney for the Administration is satisfied that the amount and terms of the settlement are fair and reasonable;</text>
    </level>
    <level label="3">
      <text>the complainant has been advised properly regarding the contents of the settlement; and</text>
    </level>
    <level label="4">
      <text>the complainant is competent to accept the settlement.</text>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <text>If the court approves the settlement agreement, the terms of the agreement shall be incorporated in a court order.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="d">
    <text>A court order incorporating a settlement agreement is as enforceable as any order that is passed after a hearing.</text>
  </level>
</section>
