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 you 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 and 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 loans 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? Which means the right to make decisions. 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, visitation 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.
Call to schedule your free consultation right now! They are very informative, and you will learn a lot!
Warm regards,
Lois
Call New York Divorce Lawyer Lois Brenner to find out what should be included in your separation agreement!
Schedule your Free Consultation now!
212.734.1551