In many cases, one spouse will eventually move out of the marital home after the divorce. However, some scenarios might compel a spouse to move out even before the divorce is finalized.
If you are thinking of moving out during divorce proceedings, here are several factors you need to consider.
The potential benefits of moving out
Separating living spaces can offer many physical, emotional and mental benefits. These might include:
- Minimizing daily tensions and arguments
- Processing emotions more independently
- Acquiring more personal space and privacy during a challenging time
- Sparing children from witnessing conflict
Moreover, moving out of the marital home does not always mean living alone. For example, you could move in with or near your support system, such as family members and close friends, who can help you through this challenging time.
The financial costs of relocation
One of the most immediate impacts of moving out is the financial burden. Unless you are living with someone else for free, you can expect to pay for additional expenses, such as:
- Rent and the security deposit
- Utilities, including the installation fees
- Moving expenses
- New furniture and household essentials
- Storage fees
If you are still going through the divorce process, you may still need to contribute to the marital home, such as paying for the mortgage and supporting the children.
The impacts on your family relationships
It’s also important to consider the emotional and mental impacts on you and your children. If you move out, it could reduce the time you spend with your kids. This could make them feel lonely or abandoned in an already difficult transition.
Moreover, moving into an unfamiliar environment could make the divorce harder on you. It is not uncommon to feel great amounts of guilt, sadness, loneliness, fear and anger during this process, and moving out might make it more challenging to cope.
The possible effects on property division
Moving out of the marital home does not mean you will lose your claim to the property’s equity. In other words, your home will still be subject to fair and equitable distribution under Vermont law.
However, your spouse might fail to maintain the home or make unnecessary changes that can affect the home’s value. This could lead to financial losses for both of you, especially if you plan to sell the house after the divorce.
With all these pros and cons in mind, moving out is a decision that requires careful thought. That is why consulting a divorce attorney can be a helpful step before making such a big change. They can help assess your situation, explore your options and consider all possible outcomes.
