Separation Agreements

Often couples contemplating a divorce or separation agree to resolution of their disputes, including the issues of custody, child support, equitable distribution of marital assets and debts, before an action for divorce is commenced. This is done by a separation agreement. 

The law encourages people with disputes to resolve them between themselves. Separation agreements serve this purpose. The courts are, however, available to assist those who are unable to reach agreement.

Our experienced and compassionate attorneys have handled hundreds of cases involving family and matrimonial issues throughout New York State.  January 2018 marked an expansion to our renowned Divorce/Family/Matrimonial practice with Florence Richardson joining the firm as Of Counsel.  Bringing decades of experience focusing exclusively in family law matters, Flo joins attorneys Will Berglund and Kelly Mikullitz to create one of the most dynamic family law practices in the state. 

Separation Agreements in New York

A separation agreement in New York must conform with certain legal formalities. Its terms must be fair and reasonable at the time the agreement is made and must not be unconscionable at the time of entry of a final judgment incorporating the terms of the agreement. After the parties to a separation agreement in New York have lived apart, pursuant to its terms, for one or more years, either party may sue for divorce based upon those facts, provided the party seeking the divorce has substantially complied with the terms of the separation agreement. A Separation Agreement clearly defines the legal rights and legal obligations between spouses who seek to live apart. A legal separation can establish the following: • Child Custody • Visitation Rights and Responsibilities • Alimony (also known as spousal maintenance) • Property Division 

Marital Separation

New York State law also allows a husband or wife to bring an Action for Separation. Although this type of action is now rarely seen, it provides a spouse with the opportunity to seek a judgment separating the parties from bed and board, forever, or for a limited time. 

The Grounds for Separation are:

• The cruel and inhuman treatment of the complaining party by his or her spouse
• The abandonment of the complaining party by his or her spouse, although no particular duration of abandonment is required
• The refusal of one spouse to provide for the support of the complaining spouse
• Commission of an act of adultery; and
• Confinement of one spouse in prison for a period of three or more consecutive years after the marriage.

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