The living situation is one of the immediate concerns after the divorce news is broken. You or your soon-to-be ex-spouse can move out, which is usually the most common decision, or you can both remain in the family home.
The latter option can be advantageous, as you can avoid the financial burden related to living alone right away, such as renting or handling house expenses alone. Also, if you have children, this option can help them have a smooth transition.
So, how can you live together peacefully during the divorce process?
Live like roommates
If you and your spouse decide to remain in the family home until your divorce is finalized, it’s crucial to take the roommate approach. This means having separate bedrooms, distributing bills, splitting responsibilities and respecting each other’s personal spaces and communal areas. It may take time before you view your spouse as a roommate, but it’s possible.
Explain the arrangement to your children
Staying together after informing your children that you are going through a divorce can be confusing. Thus, you need to talk to them. They should know you have both decided to remain in the family home but will be living in different parts of the house.
Create a parenting schedule
Even though you will be under the same roof as your children, you should have a parenting schedule. Your plan should detail how each of you will spend time with the kids daily. This ensures you both get adequate time with them, and it can help them prepare for their new life, which will involve following a custody schedule.
A divorcing couple can live together temporarily if they employ the right strategies. It’s also vital to consider legal guidance to protect your interests.