Figuring out where to live post-divorce can be a very stressful part of the overall divorce process. Some couples choose to have one person remain in the family home while the other moves out. If this is the case for you and your ex, think about finances when deciding where to move. It’s also important to consider whether you want to rent or buy and make sure that you don’t get yourself into a situation where you are spending beyond your means. For others, it makes more sense to try alternative custody arrangements like nesting or double nesting. It’s important to figure out what makes the most sense for you and your family. Hopefully, you can find a new place soon where you can begin fresh in your new post-divorce life.
Where Should I Live Post-Divorce? Figuring Things Out After the Divorce is Over
Consider Finances
If you are considering where to live post-divorce, finances are an important factor to consider. It’s best to take a look at your overall financial health after the divorce is final. Figure out a feasible budget and speak with a realtor and lender about your options. It might make sense to purchase a property that can build you equity. For others, it might make more sense to rent.
Don’t Stretch the Budget
It’s important to avoid becoming “house poor” when you are considering properties post-divorce. House poor is a term that means that you can afford your house, but it’s taking up all of your income. You might not default on your mortgage, however, you don’t have room left in your budget to do anything else. For example, travel, save, or purchase anything fun. When considering a property’s price, make sure that it fits easily into the budget rather than being a stretch.
Consider Location
Another big consideration when considering properties post-divorce is location. Especially if you share custody of your children. You’ll want to be close to them for purposes of custody hand-offs with your ex. It’s also helpful to be close to their school or extra-curricular activities. This way, you can cut down on travel time when doing custody switches with your ex.
Alternative Custody Arrangements
While many couples choose to have one parent stay in the family home and the other move out to a new property, others choose alternative custody arrangements. One of these is called nesting. If you choose to do nesting, you and your ex would switch off living in the home with the kids and living in a separate apartment. Another arrangement is called double nesting. This means that both ex’s live in the same home with the children, but each has their own space. Both of these arrangements require you to have a cooperative relationship with your ex.
Figuring out where to live post-divorce can be complicated, and a lot depends on your specific situation. If you and your ex get along very well, you might consider some custody arrangements where you share spaces like nesting or double nesting. If you’d rather have some separation you can go the more traditional route of finding a new house or apartment to rent. It’s important to consider your budget and make sure that you aren’t stretching yourself too thin financially with the cost of the home or rental price. Additionally, make sure that you are keeping in mind the location and proximity to your children if you share custody. Hopefully, you can find the perfect set-up for your family so that you can move on to the next stage of life.