Prior to October 2010, separating in New York was the only option for couples seeking divorce without having to claim a fault ground of divorce.
A separation agreement details necessary marital issues like property division, spousal maintenance, child custody, and related financial concerns. After separation of a year or more, the agreement converts into a quickly resolved divorce action.
Since 2010, irretrievable breakdown has become the primary ground for those seeking a no-fault divorce. Although it does require a statement of the irreparable nature of the marriage relationship and resolution of the same marital issues, divorce is faster than separation in uncontested cases.
But my practice still serves couples interested in separation but not divorce—at least not right now. While these marriages have broken down in the same way as those seeking outright divorce, there are reasons some couples choose to remain married, including:
- Preservation of wealth and benefits. Regardless of economic background, two can live more cheaply than one. In some cases one partner would lose health insurance or other benefits upon divorce. In others, a couple would lose substantial accumulated wealth in transfer and distribution of assets.
- It feels like home. Many couples are genuinely fond of each other—but no longer in love. While still caring for their spouse, they choose to legally separate sometimes as a first step toward divorce, sometimes not.
Often, avoiding the emotional backlash of divorce, separation is a good route for couples not quite ready to call it quits.
As a Buffalo divorce lawyer for 28 years, I have devoted myself to solving the problems that affect families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York. As a family law attorney, I make it my goal to create a partnership of trust with my clients. People put their trust in me to handle cases that can potentially have a long-lasting impact on not only their lives, but the lives of their family as well.
Alexandra M. Rockwood is a Senior Associate Attorney with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates and has been with the firm since early 2020. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Alexandra is a practicing matrimonial and family law attorney as…
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5.0/5.0Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Randy Margulis is knowledgable of Domestic Law, dedicated, responsive, personable, aggressive and effective. I came to him on a friend's recommendation as well as Randy's reputation, and during the initial consultation I liked his approach and track ...
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5.0/5.0
Found Mr. Margulis to be a very organized and professional individual to work with. He is well-respected by his peers and is spoken of highly, I believe this helped with my divorce and made things go smoothly. I would highly recommend his services ...
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5.0/5.0
Randy is very firm and effective in court while empathetic to his clients. I am a domestic violence victim, and Randy made me feel safe and protected. My financial award was more than I envisioned it to be when I started my divorce. I can't thank ...
