Following Divorce is it Okay to Move in with Your Parents?
If divorce has left you wiped out on all fronts and the best option you have is to move back in with your parents until you can get back on your feet, you should know that the notion is not unprecedented. There are plenty of people who discover that they need some time to establish some calm—emotionally, financially, and otherwise– before marching out into the world on their own again. Some of the names of people in circumstances similar to yours at one time might come as a surprise:
Famous People Needed Their Parents
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal found that regrouping while living with his mom following his divorce from Shaunie O’Neal was a good way to get his feet under him again. Other famous people who returned to their parent’s homes following a divorce include:
- Britney Spears;
- Bethany Frankel;
- Tish Cyrus;
- Kim Kardashian;
- Pamela Anderson.
Addressing Transition Issues
Without question, moving back “home” is going to be a huge change for everyone involved. It’s best to go into the arrangement clear-eyed, with reasonable expectations and well-defined boundaries. Some questions to spend some time thinking about before making the move include:
- How will the move benefit you?
- How can the move benefit your parents?
- Is the relationship between you and your parents such that this will be a feasible arrangement?
- Will the setting be supportive or disruptive to your goals?
- Will you be able to make required adjustments so you can foster the relationship with your parents?
Making it Work
There are steps you will need to take in order to make this arrangement work. For starters, candid, open communication is a must. Discuss concerns each individual may have before the move, and devise with a strategy to tackle any problems that may arise. Once you’ve moved in, don’t suppose that if you don’t hear about any issues there are none. Make it a point to check in regularly and address any misunderstandings or difficulties.
Clarify Roles
It’s going to be critical to discuss expectations and the interactive roles you’ll all be playing. If you’re expecting your mom to do your laundry and cook for you again, you may want to feel her out to see if that delights or mortifies her. You’re all going to be coming at this from different angles. Be sure you understand their views, and there is a clear agreement on multiple issues, including:
- How long you plan to stay;
- If and how much you’ll contribute financially;
- What the expectations are related to household chores;
- Expectations of personal space;
- Whether they are comfortable you having friends over and/or overnight guests;
- How much space you’ll be given for belongings and whether you’ll need to store some items elsewhere;
- How and where the children, if you have them, will be involved.
A Healing Time
Moving back home with parents can provide a safe space to heal after a difficult divorce. At WiseLieberman our Boca Raton divorce attorneys always strive to uncomplicate the divorce and achieve the best possible outcomes for you. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation in our Boca Raton office today.
