Thinking About Legal Separation?

Thinking about legal separation? Couples who find it impossible to live in the same household but have an interest in maintaining their married status can file for legal separation. The dedicated legal separation lawyers at Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC, draft legal separation agreements that protect our clients’ interests during the period of separation and work as a blueprint for a divorce agreement, should that next step be taken.

Thinking About Legal Separation? | Benefits of New York Legal Separation

Couples contemplating divorce should be aware of the advantages of filing for legal separation first. A legal separation:

Provides spouses with time apart, to decide whether divorce is appropriate Allows spouses to remain covered under family health plans Provides a remedy to marital discord for people whose religious views reject divorce May permit military spouses to remain married long enough to qualify for benefits under the Uniformed Services Former Spouse Protection Act

May allow spouses to remain married for the 10 years or more necessary to qualify for certain Social Security benefits After a year of separation, allows a spouse to file for New York no-fault divorce

Of course, there are costs, such as the tax consequences to filing married but separate. At Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC, we believe in taking the time to fully educate our clients on the pros and

Thinking About Legal Separation? | Legal Separation vs. Divorce

It’s crucial to understand the importance of your legal separation agreement. When a couple lives separately, they are faced with the same issues that must be confronted during divorce: child custody, visitation and support, spousal support, and control of and responsibility for assets, including the family residence. These issues must be decided, or the peace of mind you’re seeking through separation will quickly be lost. Additionally, courts tend to favor separation agreements in divorce proceedings. After all, if something has worked for a year or so, why change it? So, if you negotiate your separation agreement half-heartedly, you may find yourself disadvantaged in the divorce decree. To speak with our legal separation lawyers and divorce attorneys in Saratoga County, call Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC at (888) 919-1380. You can also schedule an appointment at our Clifton Park office by contacting us online. Download Our Free Divorce Guide