Marriage Separation in New Jersey is Divorce from Bed and Board   by Stephenbrowndorf

in Law    (submitted 2011-06-20)

The term used informally in New Jersey for legal recognition of a couple separating is ‘divorce from bed and board’. Admittedly this sounds very old fashioned in modern times, but the divorce attorney in Northfield, NJ works can with a couple to create a fair separation agreement before a divorce has been decided. There is technically no such thing as a legal separation in New Jersey.

The divorce from bed and board is a mid-point type of legal agreement. It lies between a legal separation and a full divorce. It is often used when a couple does not want to be married any longer but decides divorcing is not in their best interests at the current time.

Choosing to Separate but Not Divorce

Why would a divorce not be chosen if the couple does not want to live together as a couple? The reasons vary and include wanting to keep health insurance coverage intact or for religious reasons. Sometimes a couple simply doesn’t want to make a divorce final and just wants to test a separation first.

Whatever the reason may be, the attorney practicing family law in Northfield, NJ can help a couple establish a legal separation agreement in which the issues like distribution of assets or economic support are detailed. The agreement is similar to a divorce agreement but does not permanently the marriage. In fact, it is referred to as a Separation Agreement or a Marital Settlement Agreement.

There are many matters that must be addressed in the Separation Agreement or Marital Settlement Agreement which is why a divorce attorney in Northfield, NJ should be consulted. It’s important that you not sign any agreements without legal advice. The types of issues that can be included in the agreement include:

*Health insurance coverage for children
*Distribution of marital assets
*Alimony
*Custody
*Parenting time
*Child support
*Education expenses for the children
*Debt responsibility
*Pension plans
*Tax matters (like who claims dependents)
*Who gets the house
*How future disputes will be handled

The divorce attorney will also ask you why you are establishing grounds for divorce and if this is expected to be a temporary or final separation. Also, the separating spouses will want to address the topic of the possible relocation of the children out of the state of New Jersey (if that is a possibility).
Streamlining the Divorce Process

The nice thing about having the Marital Settlement Agreement in place before the actual divorce is the divorce process is streamlined. Since there is an agreement already written, it’s clear the couple have discussed the major issues and have legally resolved them. Uncontested divorces are usually less emotionally charged which is good for the divorcing couples and the children.

The divorce attorney Northfield, NJ residents choose works closely with the client to make sure major issues are discussed and included in the Marital Settlement Agreement. Choosing an experienced attorney is key to the entire process.

About the Author

Stephen A. Browndorf Attorney At Law has been offering family law services to Northfield, NJ and surrounding areas including Atlantic, Cape May, Ocean, Burlington, Camden and Burlington counties. For more details on Family Law, Northfield, NJ and Divorce Attorney, Northfield, NJ please visit our website sbrowndorflaw.com