Jump To Navigation
Helping you make informed decisions about your future
How Can We Help You?

Please fill out the form below or call us at 631-791-9693.

NOTE: Labels in bold are required.

Contact Information
  1. disclaimer.
Ms. Barbera's Blog Follow Ms. Barbera's online column at the Long Island divorce examiner Bearing the Divorce Maze and Winning Ms. Barbera's Book, "Braving the Divorce Maze and Winning" is now available!

"In a world where knowledge is power, this book is meant to empower all those in relationships or entering relationships about what to be aware of and prepared for in case they or someone they know is in need of a divorce. This book outlines what every spouse should be aware of in their marriage and takes the reader through the entire divorce process including how to pick the right attorney. A must read in this highly litigious society."

The Law Offices of Barbera & McElhone, P.C.
428 Route 25A, P.O. Box 5595
Miller Place, NY 11764
Phone: 631-791-9693
Fax: 631-473-2648
Map & Directions

Legal Separation

File for a Separation − Long Island Lawyers

Separation Agreements

If you and your spouse are contemplating a legal separation in New York, you should seek the guidance of an experienced separation agreements attorney serving Nassau County and Suffolk County. The Law Offices of Barbera & McElhone, P.C., is a Long Island-based practice, working closely with spouses who are seeking divorce or legal separation.

Our law firm strives to meet the needs of couples seeking to separate. Drawing on nearly 50 years of shared legal experience, our legal separation lawyers have earned distinguished reputations as supportive counselors and effective contract drafters. Contact the firm today to schedule a free, no obligation initial consultation.

Filing for a Legal Separation in the Long Island Area

Legal separation is the process of having an attorney draft a contract that will lay out the parties' rights going forward in their relationship. This contract is binding with the court and will be considered breached, if not followed. If it is breached, you must bring an action in court to enforce it.

As a Long Island legal separation law firm, we understand the pros and cons of separation. Only some health care plans allow you to remain under your spouses' health plan. We can attempt to negotiate this as a part of the maintenance package, if that option is available.

Legal Separation Is Not the Same as Getting a Divorce

There are certain reasons why some couples would benefit more by obtaining a divorce rather than legally separating. In many cases, we sit down and discuss our clients divorce options and lay out the most beneficial plan for them. If you would be better off obtaining a divorce rather than a legal separation in New York, we will be up front and honest with you.

Separation agreements will never automatically turn into divorce. One party has to bring a new lawsuit to receive an official divorce. There is a common misunderstanding that, once you are legally separated for a year, you are automatically divorced. This is simply not true. You have the right to seek a divorce after a year has passed, but it is not automatic.

Free Consultation With a Long Island Legal Separation Lawyer

For all of your legal separation needs, call the Long Island law firm of Barbera & McElhone to discuss your case with an attorney during a free initial consultation. Our lawyers are committed to providing the highest quality of service. Contact the firm by telephone by calling 631-791-9693.


Visa | American Express | MasterCard | Credit Cards Accepted
  • Print This Page
  • Bookmark This Page
  • E-mail to a friend

Long Island attorneys Janine A. Barbera and James E. McElhone practice all aspects of Personal Injury, including Automobile/Car Accidents, Truck/Trailer Accidents, Construction Site Accidents, Animal Bites, Premise Liability, Landlord Liability, Defective Products/Product Liability, Slip and Fall, Wrongful Death, Pedestrian Accidents, Bicycle Accidents. The firm serves Miller Place and surrounding areas of Suffolk County, Long Island, including Rocky Point, Port Jefferson, Islip, Smithtown, Farmingville, Centereach, Selden, Bohemia, Stony Brook, Setauket, Holbrook, Coram, Middle Island, Medford and Lake Ronkonkoma. The other practice areas include Family Law and Criminal Law.

FirmSite® by FindLaw, a Thomson Reuters business.