Moving in with your parents after your divorce might sound like the worst idea possible, but for many people it is a solution that works.
- If you are moving out of the marital home, it can be hard to quickly find someplace to live. Moving in with your parents, even temporarily, can give you the breathing room you need to figure out what you can afford, where you want to live, and to find the right place.
- If your divorce is leaving you financially strapped, living with your parents can give you the support you need to get your budget under control, find a new job if necessary, and reduce your costs for a period of time.
- Living with a parent or parent who loves and supports you unconditionally may be just the emotional boost you need at this difficult time.
- If you have children, your parents can provide much needed support for your children, not to mention possible free child care.
If you do decide to share a home with your parents, it is best to be very clear with each from the start about the following:
- How long you will be staying or are welcome. If you don’t clear this up you might think you’re living there permanently while they may think it is a few months.
- Costs. Your parents may want you to financially contribute to the household by paying some rent or helping with utilities or groceries. Plan this out in advance so the expectations are clear.
- Child care. While having Grandma around can definitely make things easier, don’t forget she has her own life and probably can’t be on call for your kids 24/7. Work out a child care schedule if your parents will be assisting with babysitting.
- Personal space. Will you be back in your room or taking over the whole basement? Is it ok for you to spread out your work papers on the dining room table? Set some boundaries about what space will be ‘yours.’
For assistance with divorce or family law in New Jersey, call DeTorres & DeGeorge in Bloomsbury, New Jersey and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 908-284-6005.