Should I Move Out During My Divorce?

So you’re filing for a divorce, what’s next? Should you move out? Should you stay? Filing for divorce often times can put financial strain on people, and moving into a new house or apartment can sometimes be financially difficult. 

There is no law in Texas that states parties are required to live apart. Courts will not tell you that you need to live in separate houses unless there are accusations of threat or violence. This decision of moving is entirely up to each of the spouses to decide if living together until the divorce is finalized would be too difficult. There are pros and cons of both choices.

It might be the best option

There are many advantages to living together during a divorce, especially for couples with children. Sometimes couples with children find that the transition period may make the divorce a little easier on the children and the gradual separation softens the blow. Co-parenting with an ex-spouse can be difficult, everything about child custody and child relocation is difficult so having the time to talk through the custody order details and possibly alleviate the emotional blow in the future.

It could help financially

Living together could help the spouse that will be eventually moving out to save money and decide where they are going to live. It gives the spouse that is planning to leave a chance to get their ducks in a row and prepare for the added expenses of living on their own. Divorces can become costly, and it helps both spouses save money going forward by continuing to split expenses for a while longer.

Reasons you should move out

There are lawyers and marriage counselors that would advise you to move out if you are in the middle of divorce proceedings, even if you are both on civil terms. Divorces can take a lengthy amount of time, and living together for an extended time could become very tense. Emotions are likely to run high, and disputes or fights could be mentally and emotionally draining. Living together can be very awkward and if the divorce proceedings get ugly, things could take a turn for the worst.

If your relationship involves domestic violence or domestic abuse, it is important to remove yourself and your children from the situation immediately and take shelter somewhere safe. Get in contact with a Texas divorce lawyer right away to get your custody and divorce proceedings moving in the right direction for you and your family. Divorces are often a difficult situation for both parties so having a mediator is usually recommended.