Manhattan Legal Separation Lawyers: A Helpful Guide for New Yorkers Considering Legal Separation

Ending a marriage can be an extremely difficult and emotional process. While many couples ultimately decide to pursue divorce, others may want to first explore the option of legal separation. This allows spouses to live apart and formalize custody, support, and property arrangements without fully dissolving their marriage.

In New York State, legal separation is available for couples who no longer wish to live together but want to postpone or avoid divorce. It establishes certain legal protections and responsibilities while enabling the parties to reside in separate residences. This article provides an overview of legal separation in New York City, including the key benefits, how it differs from divorce, and why you may want to retain an attorney to assist with the process.

How Legal Separation Differs from Divorce

There are some key differences between legal separation and divorce:

• Marital status – With legal separation, you remain legally married. Divorce dissolves the marriage.
• Remarriage – You cannot remarry someone else until you are divorced. Legal separation allows you to live apart but does not permit remarriage.
• Property rights – Divorce severs property rights. With legal separation, property rights remain intact.
• Inheritance – In legal separation, you can still inherit from your spouse. Divorce cuts off inheritance rights except as specified in the divorce decree.
• Taxes – You cannot file joint tax returns if divorced. You may be able to file jointly if legally separated.
• Health insurance – Your spouse’s insurance coverage may be maintained if legally separated but cut off if divorced.

While being legally separated does not provide all the freedoms of divorce, it does allow spouses to begin living independent lives apart from one another while remaining married in the eyes of the law.

When You Might Choose Legal Separation Over Divorce

There are a variety of reasons why couples might pursue legal separation instead of, or prior to, divorce:

• Test separation – Some use legal separation to test out living apart while keeping open the option of reconciling.
• Religious reasons – For religious or moral reasons, some couples do not believe in divorce but will separate legally.
• Financial reasons – Legal separation may offer financial advantages, like maintaining insurance coverage through your spouse.
• Meet timeframe for benefits – Military personnel sometimes separate first to meet requirements to receive benefits after divorce.
• Preserve inheritance rights – Staying legally married preserves inheritance rights. Divorce can terminate those rights.
• Not meeting residency requirement – You must be a NY resident for 1 year to get a divorce. Legal separation has no residency requirement.
• Preserve immigration status – Non-citizens may avoid divorce to prevent loss of green card status.
• Custody disputes – Legal separation can help establish custody/support arrangements for child welfare when spouses cannot agree.
• Convert to divorce later – Separation agreement can be incorporated into a divorce decree down the road.

As you can see, legal separation offers an alternative to divorce that may be preferable in certain situations. The key is being sure you understand how it differs from full dissolution of marriage.

Separation Agreements: What Should They Include?

If you opt for legal separation, a written separation agreement will be required to establish the terms. This is a legally binding contract, so it must be comprehensive and detailed. Some key sections it should address include:

• Child custody and visitation – Who will have physical custody and what the visitation schedule will be.
• Child support – Financial support to be paid for any minor children. Guidance on add-ons like health insurance and college.
• Spousal support – Whether one spouse will pay the other post-separation spousal maintenance.
• Division of assets and debts – How property like real estate, bank accounts, retirement plans, and vehicles will be divided. And who is responsible for debts.
• Living arrangements – Establish separate residences. Could include details like who moves out.
• Taxes – Whether parties will file jointly or separately. Who can claim children as dependents.
• Inheritance – Whether spousal inheritance rights will be maintained.
• Insurance policies – Who will maintain or be eligible for coverage under the other’s health, life, auto plans.
• Final separation terms – Provisions for reconciliation or conversion to divorce.

Covering these types of issues in your separation agreement reduces ambiguity down the road. The more thorough you can be, the better.

Why Hire a NYC Separation Lawyer?

Trying to navigate a legal separation without professional legal help can be extremely tricky. This is why hiring an experienced New York City separation lawyer is so valuable. An attorney can:

• Advise you on the pros and cons of legal separation versus divorce
• Ensure your rights and interests are protected
• Develop an equitable separation agreement customized for your situation
• Negotiate effectively on your behalf
• Ensure agreement meets all legal requirements
• Provide experienced legal counsel and guidance throughout the process

Even if your separation is amicable, there are inevitably going to be emotionally charged issues when a marriage ends. An attorney helps take the emotion out of the equation and structure an agreement based on the law. This can give you much greater peace of mind.

You want to be sure your separation agreement will stand up in court if challenged. A lawyer can provide that assurance. And if you hope to convert the separation to divorce later, you want to be sure your agreement positions you for the best possible outcome when that time comes.

Common Questions and Concerns

Legal separation can be complicated. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:

Can I get legally separated in New York if my spouse does not agree?

Yes, you can request a court-ordered separation even if your spouse does not consent. However, this requires proving grounds like cruel treatment, abandonment, or failure to financially support. It is far better if both parties agree.

What if my spouse violates the separation agreement?

The agreement becomes a legally enforceable court order once filed. If your spouse violates it, your attorney can file a contempt motion to compel compliance.

Can I still collect Social Security or pension benefits from my spouse?

You may be able to collect spousal benefits even while legally separated. Contact the SSA, pension provider, or your attorney to find out. Divorce could terminate those benefits.

Can I get spousal support as part of the agreement?

Yes, the separation agreement can require one spouse to pay the other post-separation spousal maintenance if appropriate based on income levels and other factors.

What happens to jointly owned property in a legal separation?

You can divide jointly owned property (real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, etc.) as part of the separation agreement. Otherwise, joint ownership continues.

Is legal separation recognized if I move to another state?

It depends on the laws of the new state. Some will honor the agreement. Others consider you still married. Check local laws with an attorney.

Conclusion

Legal separation can be a viable alternative for New York couples who have decided to live apart but want to postpone or avoid divorce. It brings a level of structure, protection, and certainty to the situation. But the process requires professional legal guidance. Connect with an experienced Manhattan separation lawyer if you are exploring this option. They can help ensure your rights are protected and your separation agreement accomplishes your goals.