Soon-to-be ex-spouses remaining in the family home is a common living arrangement. It saves money because they avoid immediately having to cover the living expenses of two households. Besides, when a child is involved, this option can maintain stability.
But can you and your spouse legally live in the same house when going through a divorce in Indiana?
Yes, you can
Indiana does not require spouses to live separately for any period to file for divorce. Provided you or your spouse has lived in Indiana for at least 6 months and in the county where you file for at least 3 months, you can file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court.
The state has a minimum 60-day waiting period after filing before the court can finalize your divorce. During this mandatory cooling-off period, the court allows you to work out terms for property division, child custody, child support and spousal maintenance. This is also when you exchange financial disclosures and other vital documents.
While waiting for the court to finalize your divorce, you can stay in the same house. However, while it’s not unlawful to continue living together, it may increase the chances of conflicts. Thus, you need to set boundaries. For example, it’s important to:
- Operate from separate bedrooms or parts of the house
- Respect each other’s personal spaces
- Agree on how to split household expenses and duties
- Keep communication businesslike
- Create schedules for common areas, such as the kitchen or laundry area
- Develop a temporary parenting plan if you have a child
Setting boundaries allows you to live as roommates. This can help you maintain peace, which can significantly benefit your divorce.
Living together during a divorce saves money and protects children. But you need to approach it from the right angle. Get more information to make informed decisions throughout the process.