As a divorce mediator on Long Island, I have seen how negotiated Marital Settlement Agreements can save divorcing couples on Long Island save time, money and stress over litigating every little detail of their divorce.
If you and your spouse decide to get a divorce in Nassau County or Suffolk County, and you are able to agree on the major issues of the divorce such as division of property, financial support obligations for spouse and children, as well as child custody and visitation arrangements, then you might consider entering into a marital settlement agreement, often called a stipulation of settlement. With the help of an experienced Long Island divorce mediator or divorce attorney, your marital settlement agreement can be filed with a court in Nassau County or Suffolk County once it is signed by all parties, and will later become a part of your divorce judgment.
Protect Yourself With Help from An Experienced Long Island Divorce Mediator
There are many moving parts in divorce, and all of these must be given careful consideration when preparing your settlement agreement. Assets, income, household expenses, medical and health insurance expenses, as well as child-related expenses must all be considered and addressed in the agreement. It is important to give significant attention to how the terms of your settlement agreement will affect your finances in the future. While you want to make sure that you will be able to adjust financially to life after divorce, you also should be careful that the burden on your estranged spouse is not so high as to increase the chance that or she he will default and you’ll have nothing. An experienced Long Island divorce mediator or divorce attorney can help ensure you’re protected now and in the future.
Mediated Marital Settlements Reduce Stress of Divorce on Long Island Couples
Many divorced couples agree that a marital settlement agreement can reduce the stress of ending your marriage. By coming to an agreement on all pertinent issues in advance, you can avoid stressful court appearances and inevitable misunderstandings. In many cases, the settlement agreement results in a less expensive and less time-intensive divorce, and can help you avoid a trial which can further add to the time, expense and stress of divorce.
Child Support Governed by New York State Law in Nassau County and Suffolk County
While you may make generous provisions for children in a marital settlement agreement and try to address custody and visitation issues, you may not limit your obligation to support your minor children. The issues of child custody, visitation and support are always before the court and the courts in Nassau County and Suffolk County are obligated by New York state law to determine what is in the best interests of the child.
What Happens to You if Your Ex-Spouse Becomes Disabled or Dies?
Finally, it is essential that what is owed to you in a divorce settlement in insured in the event of your estranged spouse’s premature death or disability. If your estranged spouse becomes unable to comply with the terms of your agreement for one of these reasons, you may be out of luck unless there are proceeds from a life insurance or disability insurance policy available to you. This means that what is owed under your settlement will continue to be paid to you in the event of a loss or injury to your ex-spouse.
Contact a Long Island Divorce Mediator To Protect You Now, and In The Future
To learn more about Divorce Mediators on Long Island and how they can save you time, money and stress, visit this page: Divorce Mediator Long Island | Nassau County & Suffolk County. If you are considering divorce or involved in a divorce in Nassau County or Suffolk County, Long Island, the experienced divorce attorneys and divorce mediators at the Law Office of Robert E. Hornberger, Esq., P.C. are here to help you. We offer free consultations so that you can make an educated decision about how to proceed in your divorce or mediation. Contact us at 631-923-1910 to schedule your appointment today.
Our 41-page “Guide to New York Divorce: What You Need to Know Before Hiring a Divorce Lawyer in New York” written by an experienced family law lawyer Long Island’s Robert E. Hornberger, Esq., provides you with real information on the divorce process and the laws it rests upon in the state of New York. This book will help give you a solid foundation upon which you can begin the process of making your family’s, life better. Download your Free Guide to New York Divorce here.