Question #1: I am a resident of NY and after 19 years the end of the marriage is at hand. In order to divorce do you have to be legally separated or can you just enter into a divorce if you meet the guidelines set by the state, i.e. no intimate relations for 1 year, living apart for 1 year etc. On the question of alimony, how is that determined if both spouses have always worked? Insofar as the house is concerned, neither of us can afford the house without the other so then comes division of property. How does that work? Children are 16 & 11 respectively and I assume will live with their mother. No battle on custody just visitation rights. How is that determined. Please advise. Thank you