Divorce is tough, make no mistake. Unfortunately, if the relationship is strained beyond repair, you may have no option but to head to the divorce court. One of the most challenging questions you are likely to grapple with while your divorce is underway is whether or not you should leave the marital home.
If you have decided to stay in the marital home, it is crucial that you work out how you are going to live together. To this end, here are three tips that can help you amicably share a living space with your soon-to-be ex.
Plan, plan, plan
It’s no secret that living with a person you no longer love can be uncomfortable, to say the least. Emotions can easily overwhelm you during these tumultuous times. It’s important that you work out a plan on how you will manage your emotions and address disagreements that might arise. Specifically talk about how you are going to share household bills, personal privacy and parenting time if you have children.
Set boundaries
Talking about personal boundaries, it’s vital that each party has their own personal space going forward. Avoid situations that can lead to intimacy by assigning separate sleeping places and discuss how you will share common spaces like the living room and the kitchen.
Work out a parenting plan
If you share children, it is crucial that you mind their mental and emotional well-being as much as possible. Start off by letting your children know that you are getting divorced – and they are not to blame. Most importantly, avoid situations that might give them the impression that one parent is bad and the other good.
The decision to stay or leave before the divorce is finalized is entirely yours to make. Having a clear game plan can help you protect your interests and avoid mistakes that can hurt your divorce case.