Help When Divorced and Living Together

In many states, divorcing couples are allowed to live together before finalizing everything. While this might sound impossible, many couples are faced with this as their only option because they may not be able to afford separate housing. Even if the divorce is amicable, it can still be awkward to do this. Why do so many couples opt to live together while they are getting a divorce? There are two main reasons. One, as mentioned above, is financial. Divorcing is already expensive and many couples have not had separate finances for years. They may opt to say together in the same house because it makes the most financial sense. The second reason is children. It will be difficult to get divorced no matter what. When you have children, this makes it even harder. Many couples opt to stay in the same house to make the transition smoother for their children. 

How do you get divorced and live together? 

In the best-case scenario, the divorce is running smoothly and the separation of assets is fair and equal. There are a few tips that a lawyer, like a  divorce lawyer from a law firm like The McKinney Law Group may recommend. 

  • Establish certain boundaries. Living together may be extremely challenging. Setting boundaries early on is wise. Choose today to be assertive. Create a schedule for certain areas of the house so that you are not constantly running into each other. There’s nothing wrong with choosing not to run into one another. 
  • Have a plan in place. While it may not be financially feasible to live separately from your spouse during the divorce, work with your lawyer and other family members you trust to create a plan for post-divorce. You may find it extremely hard to move on from your relationship if you never move away from your ex. Whether you end up keeping the home or you want a new place without all of the memories, plan for which assets may help you. 
  • Make sure each person has their responsibilities. This is exactly what you would do if you were sharing an apartment with a roommate. Each person should have their own responsibilities that they tend to simply to keep the house running. Create a list, and let each person check off their own chores. It may seem simple, but it can keep you sane. 
  • Avoid intimacy with your ex. Divorce brings forward many emotions. It can be difficult to fully be without your spouse. However, it is important to avoid being intimate with them during your divorce for your own emotions as well as the divorce process. This will not only ruin the boundaries you have created but some states may choose not to grant you a divorce if you are still intimate with one another. 

Cohabitating and getting a divorce can be difficult, but not impossible. Your lawyer may have many ideas that can help you through this difficult time. Reach out to a reliable law firm now for more help with your divorce.