Yes, you do! It’s an important part of the divorce process!
Many spouses expect divorce to be an ongoing battle, but as a seasoned
New York divorce attorney/mediator, I tell many spouses, it doesn’t
have to be! There are constructive ways to tackle divorce and create a
battle free path that is non-adversarial and more cost-effective.
A pivotal part of the divorce process is developing an agreement with which
you are both satisfied. This contract should cover everything that is
important to you both, like custody of your children, support, maintenance,
marital property, division of your assets and personal property. There
is a lot to consider. It’s necessary to address everything that
applies to your marriage.
You will need the help of a divorce attorney/mediator to create a comprehensive
separation agreement. As a divorce attorney/mediator, I have developed
thousands of separation agreements over the past 35 years. I have successfully
helped couples design an agreement that is thoughtful and thorough! I
can help you too!
Many of my clients ask, “What should be addressed in our separation
agreement?” I have put together a separation agreement checklist
for them that may be helpful to you if are considering divorce.
A separation agreement is a contract in which you and your spouse agree
on all the terms of your divorce. You will discuss and make decisions
about various issues relevant to your divorce such as:
- Equitable distribution of marital property;
- Spousal alimony / rehabilitative maintenance;
- Division of retirement accounts, pensions and; deferred compensation;
- Child custody, parenting arrangements, and child’s residence;
- Child support;
- Childcare, other activities;
- Health insurance;
- Life insurance;
- Tax consequences.
Here are some Separation Agreement Highlights:
1. Assets and Property
You will first review what are separate and joint assets. Property owned
by one spouse prior to the marriage is separate property and remains separate property.
In New York, anything acquired during the marriage is marital property.
Marital property is subject to fair distribution upon divorce--not necessarily
50-50. You will be deciding on division of all property, bank accounts,
pensions, retirement accounts and other assets. You and your partner will
have to discuss how you wish to split what you have accumulated together.
Communication during this process is key. You may have to work with a
divorce mediator or attorney to develop a sound agreement.
In addition, you will address individual and joint debts such as mortgages,
bank loans, credit card debts, and car loans. Personal property will be
considered too! Like watches, gadgets, computers, iPads and phones.
2. Children, Custody, Visitation, and Child Support
First there should be a discussion about custody. Joint? Sole? Residential?
Zones of influence? Sole custody had traditionally been the most common
choice years ago, but today, divorced parents are choosing arrangements
in which joint custody is more common. I can help with suggestions about
possibilities.
If the children are going to live with one parent more than the other,
that person should be referred to as the “residential parent.”
With visitation, you will design a plan with the other parent. This schedule
will include details like days of the week, weekends, time visitation
starts and stops, and holidays.
You will also discuss child support. Child support cannot be waived. You
cannot waive child support. There are child support guidelines for every
state. There are also arrangements for childcare and extracurricular expenses
like dance lessons, camp, or private school, to name just a few
3. Spousal Support
Spousal support provides financial assistance when there is a disparity
in the income of the spouses. It helps a stay-at-home parent be self-supporting.
The amount of spousal support should be decided by both parties. There
are guidelines and statutes to help with support amounts.
If you would like to discuss other components of a Separation Agreement,
give me a call.
Divorce doesn’t have to be quite so difficult financially or emotionally.
I encourage couples to try the amicable, less stressful, less expensive
path of mediation.
Divorce can be a civil series of discussions and decisions that can be
productive and helpful to you and your family.
Call me today to schedule your free consultation and discover how I can
help you create a separation agreement that works for both of you.
All our
FREE 1 HOUR CONSULTATIONS are
conveniently conducted virtually to reduce risk.
Stay healthy and safe!
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York Divorce Lawyer Lois Brenner now to book your Free 1 Hour
Consultation.
212.734.1551