According to the CDC, roughly 2.7 out of every 1,000 Arizona marriages ended in divorce in 2021. Deciding to divorce is not an easy step to take. It ushers in a period of adjustment and decision-making about various aspects of life, including living arrangements. Particularly, the question of whether to continue living in the same home with your spouse during a divorce is one that demands careful consideration.
Some couples choose to continue living together for financial reasons, while others separate immediately for personal comfort. The decision is ultimately a personal one that you should base on a variety of factors.
Consider your emotional wellbeing
One of the first factors to contemplate is your emotional well-being. Divorce can bring out a multitude of emotions, and living together might either ease or exacerbate the stress. If you think sharing the same living space may cause unnecessary tension, it may be beneficial to live separately.
Analyze your financial situation
Finances play a substantial role in the decision regarding where to live. Maintaining two separate households can significantly increase living expenses. Staying together in the same home until the divorce finalizes could help save money, provided it does not lead to a tense environment.
Factor in the children
If you have children, their needs should be a primary factor in your decision. Staying in the same house can provide stability and continuity for your children during the divorce process. However, if the home environment becomes hostile, it might be better to separate for the sake of the children.
Determine future living arrangements
Another factor to think about is how you will divide the marital home after the divorce. If you plan on selling the house and splitting the proceeds, it might be practical to stay together in the house until it sells. However, if one spouse plans to keep the house, it might be more comfortable for the other spouse to move out sooner.
Knowing what factors to consider will guide you in making the best choice for your situation in your divorce.