Living together is one of the living arrangements divorcing spouses use. It’s not uncommon for spouses to move to different bedrooms or parts of the family home during divorce. This option is affordable and minimizes immediate disruption to children when kids are involved.
If you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse are considering this option, here are three tips to consider to avoid misunderstandings:
Establish boundaries
You and your spouse should set boundaries for your new living arrangement. Firstly, it’s crucial to respect each other’s private spaces. Avoid going to designated spaces without permission. Further, discuss how you will use communal spaces, such as the kitchen, laundry area and living room. You can schedule access to these areas.
Another way to establish boundaries is to agree on when interactions will occur and what to discuss. While you need to communicate about the divorce, conflicts can arise. Having ground rules on what to talk about and how to hold conversations can help maintain peace.
Create a new budget
Since you and your spouse are now living like roommates, you should create a new budget. Decide how you will pay for shared expenses, such as rent/mortgage, electricity bills, groceries and so on.
Have a parenting schedule
If you have a child, you should create a temporary parenting schedule. Establish guidelines on how each of you will spend time with the child on school days and weekends. It’s also crucial to talk to your child about the schedule to help them understand it. If they are older, you can involve them in the process to make necessary adjustments.
Spouses remaining in the family home during their divorce can offer several benefits. However, it can also result in negative impacts if not handled properly. Learn more to determine what works for your case.