CALIFORNIA FAMILY LAW
...Procedure After Trial/Hearing
......Construction of MSAs
4 Cards On This Topic:

No implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing in merged MSA, but statutory rules of construction and interpretation still apply; when terms can be implied.

MSAs are contracts to be interpreted by legal principles applicable to contracts generally.

MSAs interpreted according to contract rules, thus where language of MSA unambiguous, extrinsic evidence may not be admitted to explain meaning.

Stipulated judgment must be analyzed in light of parties' intent and statutory requirements for contract interpretation.