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Should spouses continue living together during a divorce?

On Behalf of | Jul 28, 2022 | Divorce Mediation

Finalizing your divorce will end your need to co-habit, but what about the period before? Once you decide to divorce, you may not want to carry on living together, but you might still need to unless you can find alternative arrangements.

Only you can decide if you will continue to live under the same roof while you work out your divorce, but here are some things to consider:

How much space do you have?

If you live in a palatial mansion, it will be much easier to share a roof than in a studio flat where you are constantly on top of each other. At a minimum, you each need a separate bedroom, even if the rest of your spaces are shared.

Can you afford to rent a second place, or do you already own one?

If you have the money to do this, it can ease the situation for both of you, but you still need to decide which of you should move out. 

Does one of you have space available in someone else’s house?

Local friends or family with a spare room or sofa can be a great solution, as you also get to benefit from their emotional support. However, you should consider how it will affect others they live with, especially if you are there for a while. 

Do you have children?

If one of you moves out, what will the kids do? Some parents take turns moving out for a week or two at a time, allowing the other parent to spend time with the children in the family home. It’s known as birdnesting and can give stability to the children while you sort things out.

Whatever action you consider, get legal help to ensure it will not harm your chances of getting the divorce outcomes you need