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
zone that is non-adversarial and more cost effective.
An important part of the divorce process is developing an agreement with
which you are both satisfied. This contract should cover everything that
is necessary and important to you both, like custody of your children,
support, maintenance, separate and marital property, division of your
assets and personal property. There is a lot to consider.
You will need the help of a divorce attorney/mediator to create a solid
separation agreement. I have helped thousands of 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 usually 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, automobiles,
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 reasonable
agreement.
In addition, you will address individual and joint debts such as mortgages,
bank loans, credit card debts, student and car loans. Personal property
will be considered too, like home goods, clothing, art, furniture, jewelry,
memorabilia, computers, ipads and phones.
2. Children, Custody, Visitation and Child Support
First there should be a discussion about custody. Joint? Sole? Residential?
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 is 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. There
are child support guidelines for every state. There are also arrangements
for childcare and extracurricular expenses like dance lessons, sports,
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
and get back on their feet. 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.
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 to find out what should ne included
in your separation agreement!
Schedule your Free 1Hour Consultation now!
212.734.1551