Legal Separation in Woodmere, NY and the Nassau County area

Many married couples separate when contemplating a permanent split or working toward eventual reconciliation. Legal separation in Woodmere, NY and the Nassau County area, however, specifically refers to a court-approved separation which defines legally enforceable rights and obligations but does not permanently end the marriage. Legal separation differs from more informal separation because a court must approve and order legal separation. It also differs from divorce because the marriage continues to exist after a legal separation.

Benefits of Legal Separation in Woodmere, NY and the Nassau County area

Legal separation appeals to couples who do not wish to divorce, but who will live separately and want matters such as child support, child custody and property division clarified legally. Legal separation typically applies to couples who foresee permanent separation, rather than a temporary trial separation. Common reasons a couple might wish to legally separate, rather than divorce, include the financial benefits of remaining married (such as tax incentives) and religious beliefs which may conflict with divorce.

Legal separation offers the benefits of legal clarity akin to divorce orders. Property rights between the two parties are divvied up, as are child custody, child support and spousal support right and obligations. While couples can simply agree to such matters without court involvement, obtaining a court-approved legal separation simplifies enforcement of these rights should disputes arise.

Grounds for legal separation typically mirror a state's grounds for divorce often including incompatibility, abandonment, adultery and cruelty. As in a divorce, if the legal separation includes child custody, child support, and spousal support conditions, those obligations may only be modified with court approval.