If I serve my spouse with divorce papers, do we still need to get lawyers. They are the same info as legal separation papers?

If you own real estate and have children together,it is not wise to proceed without a lawyer each. The NYS rules for martial distribution and child maintenance can be quite complicated and in some cases the court will not accept the agreement between spouses. The 45 days tells me ex has her doubts and most likely is conferring with a lawyer. I recommend you do the same. My partner James DeFelice practices family law in NY,and you might benefit from getting his contact information from the avvo.profile.

You might find my legal guide on selecting and hiring a lawyer helpful.
You might find my legal guide on Is it Legal? Is it Illegal? helpful.
You might find my legal guide on the understanding the different court systems helpful.
You might find my legal guide on legal terms used in litigation helpful
(Even if you are not filing a lawsuit this information can be useful).

You might find my legal guide on NY court systems helpful.

You might find my legal guide on the courts in New York City helpful.
You might find Gabriel Cheong’s legal guide on the do and don’t of finances after a divorce helpful.
You might find my legal guide on divorce in general and in NJ helpful.
(Much of this information is valid for unmarrieds who have children together).

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Mr. Sarno is licensed to practice law in NJ and NY. His response here is not legal advice and does not create an attorney/ client relationship. The response is in the form of legal education and is intended to provide general information about the matter in question. Many times the questioner may leave out details which would make the reply unsuitable. Mr. Sarno strongly advises the questioner to confer with an attorney in their own state to acquire more information about this issue.