Armato

In this dissolution action, the trial court ordered the husband to pay child support. Sometime later, the wife asked the husband for an increase in child support. They resolved the matter without the involvement of the court. The husband agreed to higher payments. The agreement was reduced to writing, which the husband and wife signed. While the agreement was still in effect, the husband unilaterally stopped making the higher payments and reverted to the previous level of support.

The wife filed a motion in this action to enforce the agreement under Code of Civil Procedure section 664.6, which authorizes a trial court to enforce a settlement agreement signed by the parties during pending litigation. The husband opposed the motion, arguing that, in order to obtain any relief, the wife had to file a separate action for breach of contract. The trial court granted the motion and enforced the agreement. The husband has appealed. We agree with the trial court and affirm.

Background

Appellant Leonard Armato and respondent Elizabeth Stewart are former spouses. On December 30, 1994, their marriage was dissolved by a judgment of dissolution entered in this case. The judgment…