Not everyone is happy in their marriage, and many people decide the best course of action to help an unhappy marriage is a separation. In Queens, some people decide to make their separation legal to ensure both parties uphold their end of the bargain. Other couples decide to keep their marital problems to themselves without involving anyone else. It’s a personal decision, but it’s recommended you consult with a Queens separation attorney to help keep things above the law.
What is legal separation?
Legal separation is the act of leaving your spouse without getting a divorce. It’s not always indicative of a divorce, but it does help some couples who want to see if they can work through their issues from separate homes. There are typically two types of couples who go through a legal separation. The first couple wants to make their marriage work, but the art of living together every single day has caused too much conflict. It’s their hope that living apart for a few months might bring them closer together by reminding them to stop taking advantage of one another.
The other couple is not looking to fix their relationship so much as go through with the process of ending their marriage due to being tired of one another. One party has had enough and wants to move out of the home to see if life is really better on their own. Sometimes it’s nothing more than the first step in the divorce process, but it helps both parties come to terms with the end of their marriage.
Legal separation is a separation that has legal consequences. For example, if you are a stay-at-home mom and your working husband decides he wants to move out of your home for a while, going through this process legally means your husband is still required to pay the mortgage and the household expenses for you and your children. Allowing him to promise to do this without making it legal makes it all but impossible to make him keep his promises if he decides it’s no longer worth his time.
Do I really need to go through the legal channels if we are separated?
You don’t need to, but you should consult with an attorney who works with those undergoing a trial separation on a legal basis. A separation attorney helps you by drafting legal documents stating what you and your spouse are responsible for in the event of a separation.
- Martial assets
- Debts
- Expenses
- Child care
If this is your situation
Stop reading. Start defending.
These are just a few of the most common things you want to know are being taken care of if a separation occurs. Your future depends on this legal document if your marriage is coming to an end. Without this legal document, your spouse might decide to stop with his side of the deal and leave you without the financial help you need to run your household or even care for your kids.
It’s also beneficial to help with conflict in the separation, such as when you get to spend time with the kids or how you spend time with your kids on holidays and even long weekends. It’s going to help you with a potential reconciliation if you file this paperwork legally, too. Your separation agreement can be made void if you live together again, and you’re protected no matter what you decide. This is why hiring an attorney to handle your legal separation documentation is wise when your marriage is not on solid ground. Protection is always wise.