Manhattan Legal Separation Attorney
Legal separation is a stressful time that requires an extensive analysis of your personal, financial, child custody, support, and living situations. There should be an equitable division of property, assets, and debts before separation, as well as any arrangements for spousal support.
This makes legal separation a complex legal matter that calls for strong legal advocacy and representation. You need a negotiator on your side with experience in all aspects of family law. At the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C., our legal separation attorneys have the expertise and resources you need.
Manhattan legal separation attorneys at the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. are also:
- Compassionate;
- Honest;
- Prompt and responsive; and
- Clear and effective communicators.
Let us be your guiding hand through the legal separation process. We will work tirelessly to protect your interests. Call us in Manhattan now to schedule your case evaluation and consultation.
We Can Help Your New York Legal Separation Case
There are many reasons you need an attorney, like ours at the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C., to represent you in your New York legal separation. The least of these is that retaining an attorney takes the need to know the laws affecting legal separation and the tax consequences of a legal separation off of you.
Adding an attorney to the mix adds another party to your team who is not emotionally attached to the process and can offer objective advice. Our Manhattan legal separation lawyers look past any current situation and into the future. Just because a deal looks fair today does not mean it will end up being so in the future.
At the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C., our legal separation attorneys will also do the following:
- Support and advance your goals while ensuring any division of assets and debts is equitable and fair;
- Draft a concise and legally enforceable agreement acceptable by the court should you choose to later divorce;
- Properly file your agreement with the county clerk;
- Reduce your stress and provide you with emotional support;
- Help avoid unnecessary delays; and
- Address issues you may forget.
Do not draft your legal separation agreement. You may cost yourself additional time, money, and frustration. Contact the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. and schedule your meeting with a skilled Manhattan legal separation attorney.
What Is a Legal Separation?
In a legal separation, spouses remain married but live apart per the terms of a legal separation agreement. A legal separation agreement, also called a “marital settlement agreement”, equitably splits spouses’:
- Assets;
- Debts; and
- Property.
It also makes any child custody and visitation arrangements and sets out terms for alimony. A New York legal separation agreement covers all the same areas as a divorce decree, including child support.
The significant difference between a divorce and a legal separation is that the spouses are not free to remarry. Legal separation lasts as long as spouses deem necessary. However, to use legal separation as a basis for divorce, spouses must live apart for at least a year. Legal separation agreements are only possible if both spouses agree to it, according to the New York supreme court.
What Is a Conversion Divorce?
While spouses can live under a legal separation agreement for life, they may choose to divorce at some point. When they do, the divorce is called a conversion divorce. The court converts the spouses’ legal separation agreement into a permanent divorce.
The spouses must finalize any outstanding marital issues. If the spouses still agree on all issues, the divorce process is relatively simple.
Why Legal Separation?
There are several reasons married couples opt for legal separation over divorce. One of the most common is time away from the other spouse in the hopes of reconciliation.
Other reasons for legal separation may include:
- Religious objections to divorce;
- Social stigma attached to divorce;
- Health insurance benefits;
- Tax benefits;
- Military spouse benefits; and
- Inheritance rights.
Contact a Manhattan Legal Separation Lawyer
Should you choose legal separation for any reason, contact the skilled legal separation attorneys at the Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. in New York for a confidential consultation regarding your circumstances. We can provide you with a customized legal separation agreement that will suit your unique legal needs and goals.
A separation attorney at Law Office of Vivien I. Stark, P.C. can also review any legal separation agreements before their presentation to the court for acceptance. We take time and care to ensure your legal separation agreement is correct and does not contain any potentially hazardous future issues. Call or fill out our contact form for more information on how our New York divorce attorneys can help.