Long Island Legal Separation

Experienced Divorce & Family Lawyer

Some couples need time to get their thoughts and priorities straight if they are having difficulties in their marriage. Separation can be extremely helpful to couples who are considering but are unsure of whether they want or need to divorce. If you and your spouse are planning to separate your lives and belongings, a legal separation agreement is the route you will likely need to take. Legal separation agreements are contracts between you and your spouse that establish the terms of your separation.

The difference between a legal separation and divorce is that a separation does not put an end to the marriage. Legal separation, however, enables you to live separately while remaining married. During the time you are living separately, you are under a court order that lays out the rights and responsibilities of each spouse. As you pursue a legal separation, speak with our firm's Long Island divorce attorney at your earliest convenience.

Advantages to a Legal Separation

Legal separations and divorces have many aspects in common, but some individuals will benefit more from a legal separation. Individuals are still able to retain medical and other types of benefits that are only for people who are legally married.

Some couples do not wish to divorce because it conflicts with their religious beliefs. It allows couples the chance to spend time alone to decide whether divorce is the favored option. Military spouses often wish to remain married for at least 10 years so that they can benefit under the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act.

Need representation for a legal separation in Long Island, NY?

No matter what the reason is for obtaining a legal separation rather than divorce, you can benefit from our firm's experienced representation.

After living separately for at least one year after the legal separation agreement is filed, you can file for a no-fault divorce from your spouse. Specific formalities must be followed when creating and filing the agreement in order to qualify, however.