If you and your spouse decide to continue living together until the divorce is final, it’s vital to take measures to avoid misunderstandings that can complicate your divorce. This is necessary even if you are divorcing amicably.
Here are four tips to consider:
Live as roommates
You and your spouse should consider living as roommates during your divorce. This means having personal spaces and respecting each other’s. Agree on which part of the house each party takes and how to use communal spaces, such as the kitchen, living room and laundry room. You should also agree on how to split bills and other expenses.
Discuss it with your kids
If you have children and have decided to stay in the family home, you should discuss it with them. Let them know you will be respectfully operating from different parts of the house.
Not having this conversation with your kids can lead to confusion because they may have expected one of you to move out when you told them you were getting a divorce.
Create a parenting schedule
Even though you and your spouse will still be in the same house with your kids, you need a parenting schedule. It should detail crucial parenting details, such as who will drop off and pick up the kids to and from school, cook for them, help with homework or watch a movie with them on certain days.
Take care of yourself
You need to take care of yourself during divorce, whether you leave or remain in the family home. Spend time with loved ones, go for walks or join a local support group.
Living together during divorce can offer different benefits, from saving money to helping your kids transition smoothly into their new life. However, you will need to make informed decisions to enjoy these benefits.