Legal separation is an option available to many couples who are not ready to go through a divorce but are struggling to live with their spouses. Couples decide to legalize their separation instead of seeking a divorce for various reasons. One example where a legal separation works is if religious restrictions against divorcing are keeping the couple from doing so.
Legal separation is also possible if you and your spouse are contemplating divorce but have not made a decision yet. Legal separation is a binding agreement between you and your spouse. If you decide to pursue this route, it is important to seek the legal help of a separation agreement lawyer to ensure that the agreement is in both your mutual best interests.
Juan Luciano has more than a decade of experience practicing in family and divorce law in New York City. He is dedicated to helping couples with a wide range of legal issues including legal separation. These cases are emotional and we will treat you with the empathy and professionalism that you deserve. Whether you are looking for a New York City divorce attorney or a Manhattan legal separation lawyer, call to schedule a consultation today.
The Difference Between Legal Separation And Divorce
The major difference between legal separation and divorce in NY is that couples remain legally married. If there is still hope of repairing the relationship, a legal separation agreement makes reconciliation with your spouse possible without the need for a new marriage certificate.
A legal separation agreement can look similar to a divorce and contains the same elements as a divorce agreement. Legal separation agreements in New York are often as detailed and comprehensive as the Stipulation of Settlement, which is required for NY divorces.
The process of divorce and legal separation can also be similar in that they both address issues such as child custody, asset distribution, child support, and spousal support. Many couples are often confused as to why they should just legally separate and not divorce. However, couples who anticipate reconciliation in the future or who have other interests than divorcing will often find that a legal separation may suit their needs.
Couples who are legally separated can decide who lives in the shared home and who takes care of the children. They also can determine how to maintain their current standard of living so that it works for the children. Legal separation allows a couple to live separately without additional conflict while working on their marital problems.
When faced with the choice between divorce and legal separation, it is crucial to carefully consider several key factors. Opting for legal separation provides certain advantages worth noting.
- Healthcare Benefits: Legal separation enables both spouses to usually remain on the same health insurance policies. In contrast, divorce necessitates each party to obtain their own health insurance or explore a COBRA plan. Social security benefits, including retirement, unemployment insurance, and pension insurance, can be maintained by both parties during a legal separation. However, in a divorce, these benefits may be subject to negotiation or termination as separate property.
- Property Rights: Legal separation preserves the rights to jointly owned property, whereas divorce relinquishes these rights. In a divorce, couples must divide their shared property as part of the settlement agreement.
- Debts and Liabilities: During a legal separation, the marriage status remains active, which means a person could still be potentially liable for their spouse’s debts and liabilities. In a divorce, all debts are typically addressed during the dissolution process to facilitate separate lives for each party.
- Important Decisions for the Other Party: In a legal separation, spouses retain their status as next of kin, allowing them to make medical or financial decisions on behalf of the other person. In a divorce, this responsibility is lost, and each individual must make decisions independently.
Choosing between legal separation and divorce depends on the specific circumstances of each couple. It is crucial to fully grasp the distinctions between these two options and understand how they will impact your family.
| Aspect | Legal Separation | Divorce |
|---|---|---|
| Marital Status | Couples remain legally married. | Marriage is legally terminated. |
| Possibility of Reconciliation | Legal separation allows for reconciliation without a new marriage certificate. | Divorce ends the possibility of reconciliation. |
| Agreement Similarity | Legal separation agreements can resemble divorce agreements. | Divorce agreements and legal separation agreements can be similar. |
| Addressed Issues | Both address child custody, asset distribution, child support, and spousal support. | Similar issues are addressed in divorce proceedings. |
| Suitability for Some Couples | Legal separation may be preferred by couples who anticipate reconciliation or have other interests. | Divorce may be preferred by couples who have no plans of reconciling. |
| Living Arrangements and Child Custody | Couples decide living arrangements and child care during legal separation. | Divorce can also address living arrangements and child custody. |
Why Should I Choose Legal Separation Over Divorce?
There are various reasons why people choose legal separation over divorce. However, financial reasons are one of the most popular. In a legal separation, the couple is still considered married, so they are eligible to receive health insurance from their spouse’s workplace.
In some cases, the couple possibly just wants to split up in the middle of a marital crisis and wants to think things over instead of going straight for a divorce. A legal separation can be a good choice in this situation since there is still hope for reconciliation. In New York, a divorce takes more than just coming up with a divorce agreement and can take a lot of time to complete.
Often, couples do not want to proceed with divorce because they believe separating temporarily will allow them to reflect on their marriage and possibly reconcile. Being legally separated will allow them to continue receiving their current benefits as a married couple, while also protecting their children and assets the way a divorce agreement would not. A legal separation may last as long as the couples want.
What are the Disadvantages of a Legal Separation?
Choosing legal separation over divorce can seem like a practical step for many couples who are not ready to dissolve their marriage. However, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks before deciding. One significant disadvantage of legal separation is that it does not allow either party to legally remarry. This status can be restrictive, especially if one or both individuals wish to marry another person and move on with their lives in this regard.
Another point to consider is the financial implications. Legal separation often requires the same amount of paperwork, negotiation, and court involvement as a divorce, which means it can be just as costly. Additionally, if a couple who has opted for separation later decides to divorce, they will have to go through the legal process again, incurring more expenses and legal fees.
Furthermore, legal separation may not offer the clean break that a no-fault divorce provides. In some states, no-fault options are not available for legally separated couples, which means that one party must be deemed at fault to proceed. This can unnecessarily complicate the separation process, potentially leading to a more invasive and contentious situation.
It’s vital to assess these considerations carefully when contemplating legal separation. An experienced Manhattan legal separation lawyer can further clarify the limitations and potential complications upfront, helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your personal and financial circumstances.
Understanding the Issues Addressed in Separation Agreements
Some spouses choose to draft their own contracts in order to save money on lawyer fees and other legal separation costs. However, drafting a legal separation agreement requires more than just knowing the issues to be discussed. It also requires understanding each spouse’s legal rights when it comes to the issues involved. Knowing your legal rights allows you to negotiate confidently. Because of this reason, it is recommended that each party have separate attorneys when drafting a legal separation agreement.
The issues discussed in a legal separation agreement are the same as those in a divorce proceeding. These include child custody and visitation as well as child support, and spousal support. Separation agreements also cover property distribution and who would cover additional expenses for the children. When discussing legal separation, it is important that one’s financial assets are disclosed. If not, the separation agreement may be invalidated in the future because of fraud. In the case of reconciliation, you can annul the legal separation agreement.
If you are looking to draft a separation agreement with your spouse, it is important to seek the help of an experienced legal separation lawyer. A skilled attorney may be able to help you add a reconciliation clause to your separation agreement. They may also be able to help you draft a separation agreement that is in your best interests.
Seeking the Legal Advice of an Experienced Separation Agreement Lawyer
When drafting a separation agreement, there are many important matters to consider. As an experienced divorce lawyer, Juan Luciano, Esq. has devoted his career to couples who have decided to separate, divorce, or otherwise formalize other matters pertaining to family law. In addition, Mr. Luciano’s practice extends to assisting in prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, same-sex divorce, and more.
At the Juan Luciano Divorce Lawyer, we are committed to protecting your rights while doing as much as possible to achieve amicable solutions. While a collaborative effort is always the first goal, we maintain a calculated and aggressive legal strategy that can be implemented at the appropriate time. When you need the skill, experience, and legal advice of a separation agreement attorney in New York City, contact us today to schedule a consultation at (212) 537-5859.
