Melissa Goodstein, Esq.

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November 17, 2011 By Melissa Goodstein Leave a Comment

Living Together During Divorce

Image: Living together during divorce
Living together during divorce should be avoided for a variety of reasons.

In these tough economic times, many couples must continue to live together while they are negotiating their divorce. Such living arrangements can be quite toxic for the entire household creating lasting harm for each member of the household for years or decades to come. In order to deescalate the level of conflict I recommend to all my clients to consider alternative separate living arrangements preferably with one spouse moving out of the marital home or if that is not possible to create separate living arrangements within the home. In either case, an interim agreement or move-out agreement is then negotiated outlining a temporary parenting and access schedule if they have children and also acceptable standards of behavior both parties agree to provide each other and their children during this period.

When there are children involved, this agreement provides each parent meaningful and consistent access to their children and creates a sense of routine, predictability and continuity for their children which is so urgently needed when a couple decides to separate. Even if the parties are living in the same home they each are given separate access times to the children and home. This allows for each spouse to practice how parenting will be living apart, which is helpful while negotiating a more permanent access and time sharing schedule.

Living together during divorce requires the creativity and flexibility of both parties to negotiate a living arrangement that give each other and their children a healthy living environment needed in this challenging time of their lives.

Filed Under: divorce, popular

About Melissa Goodstein

Melissa Goodstein practices exclusively within the mediation and collaborative divorce models. Her practice is located in Katonah, New York serving clients throughout Westchester and Putnam County and the surrounding New York metropolitan area. Melissa is passionate about providing the best possible support for all her clients and is an advocate of alternative healing techniques such as chiropractic, yoga and meditation to help support her clients during the divorce process. She believes that healing from the inside out is instrumental in achieving a good divorce and a transition to a new life.

« The Value of Negotiating a Prenuptial in the Collaborative Process
Is My Divorce Normal? »

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Melissa Goodstein

Mediation and Collaborative Divorce Attorney

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118 N Bedford Road
Mt Kisco, NY 10549

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Click/tap the above video to learn about “Our Family in Two Homes.”

Our Family in Two Homes

Our Family in Two Homes is a resource that combines the knowledge of an experienced professional with a comprehensive workbook – to help you reach an agreement that works for your family.

Contact Melissa Goodstein, Esq., to learn more.

Melissa Goodstein, Esq.

118 N Bedford Road
Mt Kisco, NY 10549

For more locations, go to Map & Directions or contact us.

(914) 767-0438

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  • Home
  • Bio
  • Divorce Mediation
  • Collaborative Divorce
  • Marital Mediation
  • Other Family Services
  • Forms & Useful Info
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Map & Directions
  • Site Map

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