Planning for Legal Separation
Unless you are suing for divorce on fault-based grounds, you must live apart for one year under a marital separation agreement (MSA). This document must anticipate your needs, it must be fair, and it must be comprehensive.
If you are going the marriage separation route, the MSA will govern your finances, care of your children and other aspects of your life for at least the next 12 months. DeRoberts Law Firm of Syracuse, New York provides experienced negotiation or review of this important document.
Arrange a free initial consultation today. Our knowledgeable divorce and family law attorney represents clients in Auburn, Ithaca, Cortland, Onondaga County and surrounding counties of Central New York.
The Marital Separation Agreement
Marriage separation (legal separation) is a formal process. You cannot get divorced in New York unless you (a) prove grounds or (b) actually lived in separate residences under a qualified marital separation agreement. The MSA will serve as the basis for your final settlement agreement in your legal filing to dissolve the marriage. If it is fair and workable from the beginning, the conversion divorce will go that much smoother a year from now.
Jeffrey DeRoberts has practiced in the Syracuse area for 16 years. He personally sits down with you to discuss your family situation, your finances and your needs as you prepare to live on your own. He attends to every detail and negotiates with your spouse or their lawyer to arrive at a sensible, all-encompassing MSA:
- Fair division of assets and debts
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Disposition of the marital home
- Health insurance coverage
- Retirement contributions
- Other financial considerations
Call our Syracuse office at 866-918-8875 or e-mail us to discuss your rights and responsibilities in marriage separation. Mr. DeRoberts offers a free, confidential consultation, including evenings or weekends by appointment.
