When spouses have the divorce conversation, the next topic they typically discuss is living arrangements. If you are wondering where you can live during your divorce, you have several options to choose from, depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Below are two living arrangements to consider:
Stay in the family home
You and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can remain in the family home, living in separate zones, until the divorce is finalized. This option can only work if you can maintain a peaceful living situation. Setting boundaries can help you achieve this. For example, you should respect each other’s personal spaces, have rules on how to use communal spaces, clearly divide responsibilities and minimize communication.
If you have children, it’s important to create a temporary parenting plan, despite being under the same roof. Specify when each parent is “on-duty” and “off-duty” for daily routines or extracurricular activities.
One of you moves out
If sharing a home is not a viable option, one of you can move out. Assess your situation carefully when deciding this. For example, the party who is financially stable enough to rent can move out, or if you have kids, the parent who often is in charge of the most day-to-day care can remain in the family home.
If you are the one to move out, ensure you obtain as much information as possible to avoid claims that can negatively impact you. Also, it can be unwise to buy a new home at this time, as it can financially strain, and it may be considered a marital asset during property division. It may be best to rent an affordable temporary place.
You need to choose a living arrangement that protects your well-being during your divorce. Learn more about how to make informed decisions regarding this and other divorce-related matters.