New York Family Law Attorney

Separation Agreements Lawyer in Long Island

Because New York is an “at fault” divorce state, this means that a married couple must have grounds for divorce in order to legally sue for divorce and become legally separated from one another. These grounds include adultery, abandonment, and cruel and inhuman treatment. Additionally, a legally executed separation agreement may be used as grounds for divorce.

If you are interested in filing for a separation agreement, New York family law attorney Sari M. Friedman can help you. At our firm, we are committed to representing clients and families in Long Island & New York City who are facing a legal matter involving family law. Separation agreements are important if you want to file for divorce but do not yet have legal grounds. By working with an experienced and dedicated lawyer such as Sari Friedman, you can do this and also ensure that your rights and future are safeguarded.

New York Separation Agreements

In many cases, when both spouses agree that they want to divorce, they file for a separation agreement with the county clerk's office. This is a legal process that basically declares the spouses legally separated, including stipulations regarding child custody, visitation, child support, alimony and property division. One year after successfully executing a separation agreement, one spouse may then sue the other for divorce based upon the separation agreement, and the other spouse can consent to this.

A declaration of separation states that you and your spouse are legally separated. This form of separation may be obtained through the normal grounds for divorce. The difference is that abandonment as grounds may be utilized even if one year has not passed. There is also cause for action for separation, which is based upon the grounds of one spouse failing to support the other.  Filing a separation agreement is optional and only required if and when you are suing for divorce. 

Contact New York separation agreement attorney Sari M. Friedman today if you are interested in separating from your spouse in Long Island or the surrounding areas in New York.