Legal Separation

Separation Agreements

There is no such thing as a legal separation in New Jersey. There is an old-fashioned alternative to divorce still in place, called divorce from bed and board. This is not a divorce, as the parties are still legally married. Designed to deal with people's scruples about divorce, it provided for separate living without a divorce, protecting the pension and health insurance rights of the (usually) woman. However, today there is seldom a need for this type of arrangement, although it exists on the books. Contact our New Jersey law office to learn more about divorce from bed and board and other forms of separation.

At the Law Offices of Jeffrey M. Bloom, we advise clients about the legal aspects of separation. It is actually quite simple: if a married couple lives apart for 18 months, they can file for a no-fault divorce. Whether or not the couple files for divorce after the required 18 months, it is critical that they have a separation agreement that details the manner in which all the issues regarding money and children are to be handled. Such issues include:

• Child support
• Alimony
• Day care expenses
• Medical bills
• Health insurance for the family
• Mortgage and the household bills
• Property and income taxes
• Car payments
• Credit card bills
• Preparation of any tax returns

Our attorney advises clients not to leave the marital home unless they are being abused. This will give them time to establish an agreement that covers matters like those listed here. Once the legal agreement is in place, the separation can occur in an orderly manner, minimizing trauma to the children and preserving the rights of the parties.

Our lawyer encourages clients to develop a comprehensive legal separation agreement that covers matters other than support and separate maintenance. If you are contemplating a divorce or separation, contact a knowledgeable attorney before you take any action. At the law office of attorney Jeffrey M. Bloom, we advise people who need information about their options and rights when living apart from a spouse through divorce or separation. We have been serving clients in northern New Jersey since 1988, using nearly 20 years of experience to help people in communities such as West New York communities such as Weehawken, Teaneck, Union City, and Jersey City.

Credit Cards Accepted

Off-site / evening & weekend appointments available

Servicios del intérprete disponibles / Spanish language services available