Separation Agreements

Resolve Issues Through a Separation Agreement Which is a Legal Contract

A separation agreement is a document that a family uses to define the terms of a divorce or legal separation. These agreements can resolve issues related to alimony, child support, property division, child custody, and visitation. Divorce mediation allows you and your spouse to make comprehensive agreements independent of a judge and court proceeding.

If you are considering drafting a separation agreement, contact an attorney of the Law Offices of Joy Y. Frank. Our firm, located in White Plains, New York, recommends that you always seek the advice of a lawyer before signing any legal or marital agreement. We will draft separation agreements, pre- and post-nuptials and will review separation agreements, on a consulting basis, drafted by any other attorney.

Contents of a Separation Agreement

A separation agreement addresses issues related to a legal separation or marital dissolution. Spouses can draft these agreements either before or after filing the complaint for a divorce. If drafted after the filing of the divorce complaint, the court calls this agreement a stipulation.

In order for couples to legally separate, they must draft a comprehensive agreement. Legal separation is appropriate when parties wish to continue to receive the benefits of the status of marriage, while living apart. You must agree to many of the same terms as a divorce, before legally separating. Without this agreement, the court will consider you to have abandoned your partner.

Lawyer Joy Y. Frank will draft a separation agreement that defines your obligations and protects your rights. One of the benefits of these agreements is their flexibility. Some of the terms that it can address include:

• Marital property and debt division
• Amount of spousal support and alimony
• Child custody, support, and visitation

Contact us to speak to an attorney at the Law Offices of Joy Y. Frank to learn more about separation agreements. Our firm counsels people about separation agreements throughout New York, including people in Yonkers, Westchester County, and Mt. Vernon.