Nov 3, 2022
Surviving Divorce While Living in the Same House
Divorce and General Articles
The Federal Reserve and the rental housing market are serving as a double whammy for married couples who are seeking a divorce. Higher mortgage interest rates are making it difficult for a couple seeking a home refinance to remove one party’s name from the deed and mortgage. Homeowner’s have seen refinance rates double since the first of the year and the market is still expecting further increases. Pair that with the high demand for rental properties in desired residential areas and divorcing couples are finding it challenging to keep the marital property and find separate housing for the exiting party. If you are forced to remain in the same house as a divorced couple, you are truly facing a unique set of challenges.
Michael Routh, an Attorney at Alpha Center for Divorce Mediation, provides tips on how to navigate if you are forced to remain in the same house as a divorced couple.
If faced with this daunting situation, it is important to establish some ground rules for the duration of this arrangement. Socially, you should be ready to avoid intimacy with your soon to be ex (might jeopardize your separation date) and refrain from jumping into the dating pool. Further, family outings are not recommended, especially when there are children involved. Plan a parenting schedule as to who will be with the children on certain days. This helps create a routine and ends speculation about Mom and Dad staying together. Establish individual financial accounts to share in the household and children’s expenses but refrain from purchasing items for each other.
Although the housing market is making it tough to divide a household, attempt to limit the duration of living together under the same roof with your soon to be ex-spouse. It is also advisable to have property settlement agreement in place so there will be no uncertainty about how finances or property will be handled. The attorney mediators at the Alpha Center can help you with this process. Accepting guidance from a firm that specializes in the practice of divorce mediation will ensure a smooth path along the difficult road of divorce. Alpha’s program may not be fast and cheap, but it will certainly save you time and money over the long run. Let our expertise help ensure the best possible outcome for you, your spouse, and your family.
Alpha Center for Divorce Mediation
Email: alphacares@alpha-divorce.com
Phone: 1-800-310-9085
