Many divorces are contentious. Neither side wants to give an inch and bitter feelings dominate the proceedings. When a marriage ends on that type of note, it’s impossible to imagine the couple even living in the same city let alone still living together.
However, not every divorce is a knock-down, drag-out fight. Sometimes, couples just grow apart, but not to the point where they hate one another. They just recognize that they’d be better off as ex-spouses and end their marriage amicably.
In fact, some divorces are so friendly that spouses continue to live together throughout the divorce process and even beyond.
Do Some Spouses Still Live Together During the Divorce Process?
In a few states, spouses aren’t allowed to live together or must abide by strict rules while living together during the divorce process. Nevada is not one of those states. Soon-to-be ex-spouses here are allowed to live together while getting divorced without any special restrictions.
The benefits of spouses living together during the divorce process include:
- Convenience – No one likes moving. Plus, finding a new home can be extremely difficult. If you and your spouse are okay with continuing to share a roof while your divorce plays out, it can benefit you financially and help you avoid the stress and inconvenience of finding a new place and moving.
- Cost-Effectiveness – If you and your soon-to-be former spouse continue to live together during your divorce, you can save money because you can share the rent/mortgage and household expenses.
- Kid-Friendliness – If divorcing spouses who have children continue to live together during the divorce process, it will allow the kids to continue to live in a familiar environment while they adjust to their parents’ new marital status.
Why Would Former Spouses Still Live Together After Getting Divorced?
In recent years, it seems like more exes than ever are choosing to continue to live together following their divorce. It is a strange trend that has several benefits and drawbacks. Potential issues that former spouses can face if they continue to live together include:
- Dating – If you’re living with your ex-spouse, it can make your dating lives difficult. Imagine navigating meeting your former spouse’s new partner or introducing your new partner to your roommate/ex-spouse. The best-case scenario are a few awkward encounters. The worst-case scenario is an emotionally charged showdown that blows up both your new romantic relationship, your friendship with your ex-spouse, and your living situation.
- Kids – Enabling your children to continue living under the same roof as both their parents following a divorce can be a positive. However, it can also lead to confusion. Kids will wonder why you and your former spouse are still friends and can co-parent and live together but you’re no longer married. It can make it harder for your children to accept that your and your ex-spouse’s marriage is over, which can lead to them having a difficult time moving on and embracing the new normal of your and your former spouse’s relationship.
- Support - If you and your ex-spouse continue to live together after your divorce, it could have unexpected consequences when it comes to your alimony and child support agreements. Because you and your spouse are sharing a residence and the household expenses, if you are on the receiving end of either child support or alimony, you may receive much less than you would if you and your former spouse lived apart.
If ex-spouses can work their way through the potential downfalls of continuing to share a home after getting divorced, they can enjoy several benefits. The following are the most likely benefits of continuing to live with your ex-spouse after getting divorced:
- Children – While there is a danger that kids won’t be able to accept their parents are divorced if their parents are still living together after the divorce, it can be a very positive thing to continue to share a roof with both parents. In most cases, the more time children get to spend around both parents, the better.
- Finances – In recent years, the pandemic and inflation have had a massive impact on the economy. Everyday expenses, including gas, groceries, utilities, rent, and mortgage payments have skyrocketed. After the divorce, you and your ex-spouse may each need help rebuilding your finances before striking out on your own. Having someone to share the financial load with when you first start out can be a godsend.
Having the type of relationship where you and your ex are still comfortable living together after getting divorced is rare. One way to develop this type of relationship is to end your marriage amicably. When spouses choose to handle their divorce through mediation, they have a better chance of avoiding a contentious divorce.
Speak with Our Experienced Divorce Mediation Lawyers in Nevada About Your Situation
For more than 30 years, Leavitt Law Firm has been helping spouses find common ground through divorce mediation. Our legal team is highly skilled at helping clients handle divorce and child custody disputes in court.
However, we prefer to guide soon-to-be ex-spouses through the process of negotiating a mutually beneficial divorce agreement through mediation whenever the opportunity arises. Divorce mediation is a less stressful and less costly alternative to the traditional divorce process. In addition, it gives divorcing couples their best chance to have healthy post-marriage relationships, including rock solid co-parenting connections and genuine friendships.
For more information about Leavitt Law Firm, read our clients’ testimonials.
To discuss your situation with our experienced divorce mediation attorneys in Nevada, give us a call at (702) 996-6052 or contact us online today for a confidential consultation.