Aggressive & Experienced Representation Legal Separation

Legal Separation Agreement Attorney in Long Island

Understanding When Legal Separation Is Beneficial in Long Island

Contact Us | Give Us a Call

There are certain situations in which a legal separation is better for a married couple. These include a marriage in which the two parties need a time apart while they try to repair their marriage. Other issues that could make a legal separation a better choice could be related to health insurance or religious beliefs. You cannot request a legal separation through the courts.

This is an agreement that is made between you and your spouse. If you do not know where your spouse is, it is not possible to get the court to approve a legal separation agreement. The separation agreement is made between the two spouses, usually with the help of a qualified Long Island legal separation lawyer. At Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, PLLC, we have a great deal of experience in crafting reasonable agreements between married partners who choose to separate.

This allows for arrangements to be made with regard to all the crucial issues that married couples face, including responsibility for outstanding payments and obligations, support, children and living situations. Marital property can be addressed and any other rights and responsibilities. Both parties must be in agreement with the final draft of the separation agreement, and their signatures must be recorded by a Notary Public. These separation agreements should be drafted by a highly qualified Long Island legal separation lawyer.

At Jonathan Kroll & Associates, PLLC, we have extensive experience in assisting those who choose this alternative to divorce. A poorly worded agreement can cause serious problems later, and it is even strongly advised by the state court that you get a qualified lawyer to assist you.

A Binding Legal Separation Agreement: The Process

The agreement, once it has been notarized, is now legally binding, and any violation can be enforced through the court. You can file the agreement with the court for a fee. Any such agreement only becomes binding once notarized, and the length of time you have been separated from your spouse does not matter, legally. After one year of the notarization of your legal separation agreement, you can file for a divorce.

This is termed a "conversion" divorce. The separation agreement in place is usually used as a template for the final no-fault divorce, and your filing fees for the separation agreement can be used as a credit for your divorce filing, as long as you file in the same county, such as Queens, Brooklyn, Nassau or Suffolk, the Long Island counties.

DRL §170.6 & Legal Separation Agreement Conversion Divorces

Under New York Domestic Relations Law §170.7, amended in July 1, 2010, no fault divorce now is part of New York Law. DRL § 170.5 allows for a conversion of a separation judgment, and DRL § 170.6 is related to a conversion of a written and acknowledged separation agreement, in which the parties have lived separately for at least one year. This type of conversion divorce can vary in final court orders.

The court may follow the same agreement that the spouses had in their separation agreement, or they could change based upon the current circumstances of the parties involved. An incorporation of the terms of your legal separation could make it easier to enforce any violation later. It is up to the judge to permit your legal separation terms to convert to your divorce terms, and they vary in these decisions.

As there is always some degree of uncertainty when filing for divorce, if you are planning to first legally separate, you must ensure that your agreement is carefully drafted by a legal professional familiar with the process. The judge will want to make sure that one party is not taking advantage of the other, which is not impossible in these matters.

Any issue related to the dissolution of a marriage contract should be carefully and completely evaluated. It is an emotional situation for most, and decision making can be flawed, particularly when you are simply interested in bringing the matter to a close so you can move on with your life. Nonetheless, every aspect of your legal separation agreement must be carefully analyzed so that you are protected in the future, both personally and financially.

Marriages of long duration or high net worth marriages are usually far more complex, and funds may have been intermingled, or other complications that will have to be sorted out thoroughly, even when a prenuptial was signed prior to the marriage. Prenuptial agreements are frequently contested, and any vague wording can create serious problems later when it is time to legally separate or seek a divorce.

Find out more by contacting Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, PLLC.

Frequently Asked Questions About Separation Agreements

Is a Notarized Separation Agreement Legally Binding in New York?

Once a separation agreement has been notarized, it is legally binding—which means the court can enforce its terms if either party violates it. Additionally, a separation agreement is only binding if it has been notarized. It doesn't matter if you and your spouse have been functionally separated for several months already; any agreements between you two are not enforceable until it is notarized and filed with the court.

What Is a Conversion Divorce in New York?

A conversion divorce is when a couple turns their separation agreement into a divorce agreement. You can convert your separation agreement into a legal divorce when your separation agreement has been filed with the court for one year. Separation agreements created for conversion divorce are essentially identical to the eventual divorce agreement; therefore, it's crucial to have a New York legal separation attorney review your agreement if you intend to carry out a conversion divorce.

Protect Your Best Interests

Get in Touch With Our Firm

The divorce process can be complicated, so it is important that you seek the help of an experienced professional, such as the divorce attorneys at our law firm. We can guide you through each step and help you resolve your divorce issues quickly and effectively.

What Sets Us Apart

Online Payments and Credit Cards Accepted
Free Consultations Provided by an Attorney
Excellent Reputation with Other Attorneys & Judges
We Help Families Find Unique Solutions
Extensive Experience in Family & Divorce Law
Accessible and Personalized Legal Service

Family Law Blog

Read information, insights, and updates on legal topics related to family matters.

Read Articles

Handling a Variety of Family Law & Matrimonial Cases

Contact Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, PLLC Today!

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Jonathan E. Kroll & Associates, PLLC at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy