There are several things that you have to think about when you decide that you are going through a divorce. One of these is where you will live. While it might not seem like an ideal situation to many people, one option that you might have is to continue to share your home with your spouse through the duration of the divorce.
The arrangement might seem unconventional. However, it is similar to a roommate situation. Either you or your ex would have to move out of the shared bedroom into another room and there would have to be some sort of agreement about who pays what. Here are some points to consider if you are thinking of using this arrangement.
Sign a contract
Writing out a contract that includes basic house rules and financial obligations can help to protect you during this living arrangement. This also gives you concrete information that you can check to find out what you are supposed to pay.
You can also include information about who is going to handle what chores and do what around the house. Remember, you aren’t living as a married couple any longer so you must clean up after yourself. When it comes to cooking, either separate meals will have to be cooked or you and your ex might choose to rotate out who cooks when.
Be respectful
Don’t bring any new love interests to the shared home. Even though you are going through a divorce, you should still remember that this is a home that you shared with your ex. If you do have a new flame, head to a hotel or somewhere other than the shared home.
You can also be respectful by speaking nicely to your ex. This can help you to retain a cordial relationship right now. It can also help to set the tone for the way the divorce proceedings will work.
Have a backup plan
While things are working with your arrangement, you won’t likely need to leave. There is always a chance that the mutual respect will go south and that you will need to move out. Try to make plans in advance so that you aren’t having to struggle at the last minute to try to find somewhere to live.
Planning when you are going through a divorce is a good idea in every aspect of the situation. The more you make plans now, the better you might be handle anything that arises.