3 Tips on How to Survive a Divorce When You Live Under the Same Roof
Even though there may be good reasons you could stick by your soon-to-be-ex in the midst of a divorce, it’s important to make an effort to keep the peace as much as you can while you are in the middle of legally dissolving your marriage. This is all the more true if children are in the mix. Some of these “rules” may seem obvious, but it can be difficult to separate emotionally, physically, legally, and financially if you’re still living together.
The choice to continue living with your estranged spouse in the midst of divorce proceedings is often not a choice at all, due to financial constraints. If domestic violence is an issue in the crumbling relationship, you should ensure you are safe before you consider that you’re trapped living with them. You can file for an immediate protective order so your spouse must leave the home and you stay away from you. But what if domestic violence isn’t an issue? After all, you could save money by having only the one housing payment, utility bills, groceries, and so on (that is, if you don’t separate your finances).
Give Each Other Space
Even if you’re sleeping in the same bed but not touching each other, there’s no emotional or physical separation if you’re in the same bedroom together. In addition, you should start to cultivate a separate life from your ex and encourage them to do the same. Once you decide the marriage is truly over, resist the temptation to continue a physical or emotional relationship with them. By continuing in your physical or emotional relationship, you run the risk of further complicating your divorce proceedings. Remember to compartmentalize, if only for the sake of practicality.
Keep it Civil
That being said, you don’t want to cut off your ex to the point that they will be needlessly frustrated and perhaps want to retaliate against you in the terms of the divorce settlement. Disagreements and constant friction only make the divorce more harrowing and stressful, not to mention more expensive. If you and your estranged spouse cannot agree on anything, it makes it much more likely you won’t be able to dissolve your marriage with mediation and you’ll have to go to court to litigate the terms of the divorce, which takes much longer.
Don’t Be Afraid to Leave the Marital Home
You gave it a shot, and you’ve decided you just cannot be in close quarters with your estranged spouse. Don’t be afraid of moving out, especially if you have the means to physically separate from them before the finality of divorce. There’s simply no point in making yourself more miserable in the months to come, especially if it puts further strain on an already crumbling marriage.
Contact Myers Family Law for a Divorce Consultation
Looking for legal advice or representation for your impending divorce? Contact us at Myers Family Law for a consultation by dialing (916) 634-0067 today.