When spouses decide to divorce, it is not always possible for one of them to simply move out at a moment’s notice, especially when there are children involved.
In these instances, divorce lawyers often see spouses experiencing stress, since starting the divorce process alone can turn an already uncomfortable situation into a more stressful one.
To get through it all, spouses should consider these practical tips from divorce lawyers who help many clients in this same situation.
Until the divorce is finalized through a divorce law firm, spouses must do their best to exercise restraint and compromise and to maintain their composure.
- Avoid Fighting In Front of the Kids - Make a pact to avoid fighting and especially not in front of the kids, if possible. Being forced to stay in the same household until the divorce is final will be challenging enough, so divorce law firms stress the importance of trying to keep conversations civil in front of the kids and continuing to parent them as always to prevent passing stress on to them.
- Set Boundaries - Define personal wants and needs during this period of time clearly and work together to ensure both spouses get that. Compromise and communication are key when being forced to share the same living space during this time. If necessary, those boundaries can even include avoiding speaking to each other about the divorce, leaving that for discussion at the divorce law firm, speaking only about benign issues and instead caring for the kids.
- Identify Private Spaces and Times - Be fair about making sure each spouse has privacy, whether that is in the form of separate bedrooms or having time alone in other quiet spaces in the house. Divorce attorneys advise creating a schedule when each spouse can use common spaces on their own if it makes co-habitation easier.
- Respect Each Other - As uncomfortable and challenging as the living situation might be, divorce attorneys stress the importance of having respect for each other while the divorce is ongoing. Understand that both spouses are in the same exact position. Be cordial to each other, remain calm, and avoid actions and words that will cause more friction, making cohabitation much more uncomfortable.
- Practice Self-Care - Take part in self-care and activities focused on stress reduction and promoting calmness. Eat well, get enough sleep, and try to spend some time away from the home by visiting with friends, attending counseling sessions, or taking a fitness or hobby class.
Sharing a home when a divorce is in the process can definitely be challenging, but it is a challenge that many divorce lawyers find that their clients must work their way through.
Part of the focus of divorce proceedings is to address living situations, income, childcare, and everything else that is required for spouses to change their living situation.
The best advice from divorce attorneys is to work together to get through this uncomfortable period until it is possible for spouses to permanently split their household in a productive way.