One of the most unusual trends in modern divorces is the decision to continue living in the same house or sharing a property after the end of a marriage. This kind of arrangement can be less financially draining for each parent and can also make co-parenting that much simpler.
In cases with special needs children or other unusual circumstances, this kind of living arrangement makes a lot of sense. Of course, living with someone you decided to divorce isn’t the easiest route to take, either. However, some former spouses can reach a mutual agreement that this is in the best interest of your children.
Despite deciding to continue to live together, you still need to protect yourself during the process of divorce. Will you retain your family home or buy a new one? Who owns how much equity in the property? What happens if you try it and you can’t make it work, despite your best intentions?
The best way to plan for any eventuality and protect yourself financially during a divorce with children is to work with an experienced California divorce attorney throughout the whole process. Your attorney can make sure you are protected, no matter how the cohabitation decision works out in the long run.
You must find your own way to make things work
Privacy and personal space are critical to making a cohabitating situation work post-divorce. This is especially true if either you or your former spouse is dating or in a new relationship. If your family can afford to purchase a new property, a duplex home or a house with a mother-in-law’s apartment may be a sound choice. That way, each parent has his or her own space and privacy to engage in personal relationships without creating a tense situation. It can also provide each parent with much-needed respite time when the other spouse has custody or visitation time.
A cohabitation agreement can make custody arrangements much simpler. Ideally, it is an even split, meaning you will mutually share childcare responsibilities and parenting time. It is critical for expectations and requirements to be carefully outlined. Will both spouses be working and contributing financially? Will there be any child support or spousal support? Working with an attorney who has experience in California divorces and family law can help ensure that your divorce decree or mediation agreement protects you, your children and your finances when you decide to cohabitate after divorce.
An attorney is still an important part of your divorce
Even if you and your former spouse agree to cohabitate and undergo mediation to keep things from stressing your children during the divorce, you still need your own attorney. You don’t want to end up in a situation where your finances are damaged because of your former spouse. Retaining the help of an experienced California divorce attorney is the best way to protect yourself, even during the most amicable of divorces.
Source: Nov. 30, -0001