Divorce is overwhelming for couples and their families. Apart from the emotional turmoil, sorting out legal issues creates many questions and concerns. One such question in Florida is whether or not couples can live together during divorce proceedings.

If you’re in the midst of a divorce and you aren’t sure whether you or your soon-to-be-former spouse should move out of the family home, here’s what you need to know.

Can You Live Together During a Divorce?

The simple answer is yes. There are no laws or restrictions preventing couples in Florida from cohabiting during divorce proceedings. However, there could be legal complications when it comes to handling the division of property and other financial matters.

While it may sound like a good idea for divorcing couples to cohabit, there are a few things to consider before deciding to go ahead.
You can read more about the distribution of marital and non-marital assets on the State of Florida’s website.

Secondly, the emotional turmoil of the divorce process may cause an unstable living situation. If you and your spouse cannot get along, it makes for a difficult living situation, especially if you have children. It may even lead to confusion and insecurity for the children. In some cases, living together could create friction that turns an amicable decision to divorce into a process that is more difficult than it would have been otherwise.

Another critical factor to consider is that during the divorce proceedings, the couple’s marital rights are protected by the law. This implies that both parties have a legal right to their share of assets, property division, alimony, and child support.

What Should You Do?

While it may be legal to cohabit during divorce proceedings in Florida, it may not be the wisest decision for couples. Emotional and legal issues may arise, which might complicate the divorce proceedings.

Your attorney might not suggest one way or the other where you should live during the divorce. They can give you perspective on how doing so can affect the legal proceedings of your divorce. They’ll help you understand your legal rights, assist in property and financial distribution, and offer guidance on how to make the divorce process as stress-free and peaceful as possible.

To discuss your situation with an experienced Florida divorce lawyer, contact Geller Family Law at (813) 405-1509.