Persons considering ending their marriage through the divorce process may also consider marriage counseling, legal separation (in states that recognize such a status), annulment (in limited circumstances), and living apart. Each of these alternatives may have financial and other consequences.
In New York, individuals contemplating the end of their marriage have several options. Marriage counseling is often considered before taking legal steps, as it can help couples resolve issues and possibly reconcile. Legal separation is another option recognized in New York, which allows couples to live apart and formalize their separation without ending the marriage legally; this can have implications for taxes, health insurance, and other financial matters. Annulment is available under limited circumstances, such as cases of fraud, coercion, or if the marriage is found to be legally invalid; an annulment treats the marriage as though it never existed. Lastly, living apart without any formal legal agreement is also possible, but it may have less clear-cut implications for property rights, custody, and other legal issues. Each of these alternatives has different financial and legal consequences, and individuals should consider consulting with an attorney to understand the implications fully.