8 Tips for Cohabitation During Divorce
Partners who get married can experience a whirlwind of positive emotions and feelings. After all, this is the individual who you plan on staying with for the rest of your life. After this decision, you may feel things cannot get any better. While that may be the case for some, it may be a bit of a burden for others. That is because many marriages do not get that desired happy outcome. Divorce proceedings are often the culmination of a marriage gone bad. However, you may still have to live with your soon-to-be ex-partner while the final parts of the marriage contract are dealt with.
Living together during a divorce is becoming more common as couples deal with separation challenges. In this setup, both partners stay in the same home while legally ending their marriage. Various reasons, like money issues, co-parenting, or wanting some normalcy during a hard time, can cause this. Sometimes, couples may even seek private investigation services to ensure smooth proceedings.
Cohabitation during divorce can have its positives. It can save money for both people by avoiding extra costs linked to moving out. Also, when children are involved, having both parents in the same home might offer stability and keep their daily life consistent.
For living together during divorce to work well, both partners need to set some rules. Talking openly and respecting each other’s limits are important for keeping the peace at home. The couple should make a solid parenting plan so they both know their duties regarding their children’s care. Finally, getting legal advice about their situation is smart in case any issues or conflicts come up.
Here are some great tips to remember regarding cohabitation during a divorce.
Tip #1: Personal Space
If cohabitation feels a bit constraining, that is because it usually is. Once you and your partner have reached a point of no return, being in the same room as them can be suffocating. As a result, while the proceedings are underway, have personal space. This can come in numerous forms, especially for those in this situation.
For example, one partner can live in a particular space irrespective of living arrangement. The other person can make their living in another corner of the home. By keeping this distance between each other, things will work out for the better. Better yet, there will be no impetus for conflicts to arise as the divorce moves ahead!
Tip #2: Delegating Responsibilities
It may feel very awkward due in part to the nature of the divorce, but obligations are still ongoing. This is very true for those who are parents and a child is caught in the middle of the separation. Therefore, rationalize with your partner what needs to be done and by whom.
Communication does not need to go beyond this, however. As adults, it is expected that each person can handle their affairs in an organized manner. Once this system is established, each person can go about their life without having to add to their stress. Communicating will feel tense, but it is better for all involved.
Tip #3: Finances
Unfortunately, money matters can make any sort of separation agreement somewhat messier. However, this does not have to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. If both you and your partner are willing to speak about finances honestly, things will be for the better. When the conversation becomes inflamed, you must avoid speaking to them.
It is better to prepare for the dialogue by having written correspondence and documents. These items can make things much easier for you when the time comes. Everything else can wait until this part of the divorce is handled accordingly.
Tip #4: Children
As mentioned previously, kids can often unintentionally become caught in the middle of a divorce. It is in your best interest to remain calm if this happens to your situation. Speak to your children about what is happening, and do your best not to get emotional. Kids will eventually understand, and will become adjusted to their new situation.
Tip #5: Parenting Time
An extension of the previous point has to do with parenting itself. Sometimes, if your partner has another living arrangement, they ask to see the kids. This will work out for the best most of the time, as both parents can spend quality time with their little ones. Remember to relay their fears of the ongoing divorce and simply be there for them.
Tip #6: Temptations
Cohabitation can become tricky since both partners are still living with each other. It may be tempting to get back together and become intimate. Avoid this at all costs if the relationship cannot be salvaged. It will only make things worse for your emotional state of being.
Tip #7: Divorce Lawyer
If you have not yet made contact with your lawyer since the initial check-in, make sure to follow up. You will speak to these professionals daily to get the divorce set up. Should you have any questions on the minutiae of the separation, do not hesitate to reach out. They are present to answer any questions you may have.
Tip #8: Remain Patient
When it comes to matters of living together while getting a divorce, things will feel very tense and anxiety-inducing. Therefore, staying patient and rationalizing your actions is in your best interest. Inevitably, the separation agreement will work out, and you will both be gone separately. It is hard on all parties, but it will inevitably reach its end!
