Separation Agreement Lawyer in Manhattan

Legal Separation & Separation Agreements

There are certain reasons some couples opt for a legal separation rather than a divorce.  They may have a personal or religious aversion to divorce yet feel they are no longer able to live with their spouse in a marital relationship.  There may also be financial considerations regarding a divorce in terms of how this would affect their taxes and certain benefits.  In the past, a legal separation was often executed as a precursor to divorce, as couple waited for a year of separation to pass in order to satisfy the fault requirements for a divorce filing.  Now that no-fault divorces are available in New York, this is not longer a concern.

When a legal separation occurs, it is important for both parties to have a clearly delineated agreement on matters such as asset division, debt division, custody, visitation, child support and spousal support.  This is achieved by way of either an official Separation Agreement or a Judgment of Separation.  If both individuals can agree to all the terms of the separation, they can outline these determinations in a Separation Agreement which is then used as the official terms for the legal separation.  If they are unable to reach an agreement between them, the court will make its own rulings and issue these in a Judgment of Separation.

Obtaining Legal Assistance

Reaching an agreement on your own can help you to save time and money, as well as allow you a say in the terms of your legal separation.  It is well worth enlisting the help of a Manhattan divorce attorney as you endeavor to resolve all of the matters concerned.  The attorneys at the The Kepanis Law Firm have extensive experience with such actions, as well the in-depth knowledge to ensure the terms reached are fair.  They can offer creative solutions which you and your spouse may not otherwise have considered.

Contact a Manhattan separation agreement lawyer for help navigating the logistics of your legal separation.