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For most spouses, living together during the divorce proceedings can be challenging. Similarly, deciding whether to vacate the marital home - where you have established an emotional connection with your family - can be difficult. In order to determine the best living arrangements during the divorce proceedings, here are some important things to consider.

When deciding whether to continue living or move out of your marital home, your safety should be the utmost priority. Are you safe in the house? Does your soon-to-be ex-spouse have a history of domestic violence or abuse?

If you are concerned about the safety of you and your kids, you may need to vacate the home. Alternatively, you may petition the Minnesota court for a protective order instructing the abusive partner to move out of the house.

For many divorcing spouses, vacating the marital home during the divorce proceedings can help reduce conflict and prevent hostility, as well as other mental health issues. For improved comfort, you can move out of the marital home during the divorce proceedings.

Another factor to consider when deciding on the best living arrangement is the financial implication. Setting up a new home can be expensive. Also, you will have to pay the household expenses and manage the home from a single paycheck. Unless you are prepared for such financial responsibility, you should continue living in the marital home.

Oftentimes, the spouse with physical custody of the children is the parent that gets to live in the marital home. Minnesota courts presume that children may find it difficult to adjust to a new environment. For the most part, the court will prefer not to change the children's living situation drastically. Nevertheless, the parent who vacates the marital home will establish parenting time so as to spend time with their children.

In the event that it is not possible to move out of the marital home until the divorce is finalized, here are some other possible options:

• Continue staying in the home with your estranged spouse.
• Sell the home and split the equity.
• Buy the other person out.
• Refinance the mortgage only in your name.
• Bird-nesting - A living arrangement where you and your estranged partner live in the house with the children at different times.

However, it is essential to know that staying in the marital home during the divorce proceedings doesn't necessarily guarantee that you're more likely to keep the house during the division of property. Under Minnesota law, the marital property should be divided "equitably and fairly" in a divorce case. The following factors may be considered during asset division:

• The duration of the marriage
• The age and the health condition of each spouse.
• Each spouse's amount, occupation, and sources of income.
• Each spouse's vocational skills, needs, estate, employability, and liabilities.
• Each spouse's contribution to the acquisition, depreciation, preservation, or appreciation of the marital property.
• The contribution of a spouse as the homemaker.
• Any other factor deemed necessary to achieve equitable property distribution.

Filing for divorce in Minnesota usually involves a lot of complicated procedures. Negotiating a fair divorce settlement with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, division of marital property, or establishing a living arrangement can make the entire marital dissolution process even more complex and daunting. Therefore, when considering a divorce, consulting with a knowledgeable family law attorney is crucial to explore your available options and for detailed guidance.

Attorney Glen Norton has devoted his career to providing experienced legal services and guiding individuals and couples through the complexities of divorce. As your legal counsel, he can enlighten you about your divorce options and help navigate important divorce terms.
Just because you've been served with divorce papers does not mean you should vacate your marital home. Contact The Law Office of Glen A. Norton PLLC today to schedule a simple consultation with a trusted divorce lawyer. Attorney Glen Norton can offer you the personalized legal counsel you need in your divorce matters and help make your transition as seamless as possible. The firm proudly serves clients across Minnetonka, Plymouth, Eden Prairie, Wayzata, and Hennepin County, Minnesota.