9 great reasons why some ex-partners choose to cohabitate. Nowadays, it is common to see more couples continue living together after divorce. They may have closed one chapter of their lives together, but they opened. This increasing phenomenon has many reasons.
Indeed, it may seem unbelievable, but many couples cohabitate after ending their legal relationships. Although ex-partners cohabitating is a personal decision, cohabitating could be done willingly and unwillingly, depending on circumstances.
But the bottom line is they still shared the same house after the end of their romantic relationship.
So, this article provides some of the common reasons that cause some ex-partners to choose this living arrangement; it also provides some valuable advice for guidance.
1# FINANCIAL REASONS
9 great reasons why some ex-partners choose to cohabitate. The most common reasons for couples to cohabitate are financial reasons.
Sometimes, couples realise they cannot afford to rent or take a separate accommodation and pay the different bills and other living expenses to manage individually at the end of the marriage. So, they decided to continue to live together and shared the costs. Some couples do this temporarily, while others may choose the long-term.
There is an increasing number of couples choosing this arrangement of living, especially now with the rising cost of living, high-cost bills, high-cost housing markets, etc. Most of them do that to maintain their standard of living.
However, some ex-couples may cohabitate, not because they cannot afford to live apart but because they want to save money. They choose this path as a strategy, for example, to pay off shared debts or invest.
2# PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
9 great reasons why some ex-partners choose to cohabitate. Another significant reason for ex-couples to cohabitate has to do with responsibilities, particularly parental responsibilities. So, some ex-partners choose to remain in the same house for the sake of their children.
They want t still to provide for their children a safe, stable, supportive and consistent parenting to their children. By doing so, they ensure the children are not destabilised by the separation.
Therefore, deciding to cohabitate allows the children to have the same environment they are used to; they will not be dragged from house to house, and importantly, they will maintain a close relationship with both parents.
Moreover, the children will still have this sense of having a complete family.
3# MORTGAGE, LEASE OR RENT AGREEMENT
Another common reason for ex-partners cohabitating is owning a property together, precisely having a joint mortgage. They may find it challenging to divide or sell the property at the end of their relationship. For example, it could not sell because of unfavourable house markets, or the property cannot be divided.
Therefore, if they cannot afford to rent somewhere else, they would have to cohabitate in the meanwhile as co-owners, waiting for a more convenient solution. Either to get a good offer or one of them will buy the other one off the property.
In the case of a lease or rental agreement, it can be complicated and costly to break the contract if both partners are named on it. At this point, cohabitating will be the most short-term practical solution.
4# TRANSITIONAL PERIOD
9 great reasons why some ex-partners choose to cohabitate. Cohabitating just after a divorce is common nowadays. This is known as the transitional period. The ex-partners may need time to make new arrangements.
It may be that the partner who needs to vacate need extra time to make new housing arrangement; they may need time to put in order their finances.
Therefore, they will cohabitate as a temporary solution. Doing so will allow them to readjust emotionally and financially to their new reality, allow time to secure new housing, etc…
5# EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Some couples may not be legally bound anymore but still choose to cohabitate. They do that not for financial reasons but because they genuinely care for each other.
They may not be involved romantically, but they have a deep emotional bond that has developed into a deep friendship. So, they choose not to break this bond of friendship.
Therefore, decide to cohabitate for mutual emotional support for companionship. By doing so, they can offer comfort to each other, sharing daily life with a familiar face.
Moreover, they cohabitate as friends, remain on good terms, value their new connection, and acknowledge that no romanticism is involved.
6# COMPASSIONATE REASONS
Another reason for ex-couples cohabitating is compassionate reason. It could be that one of the partners has sustained a severe injury, had a lifelong illness, had a life-changing accident, etc. And may require caregiving.
The other partner, although not legally bound to do so, may decide to continue to provide care for them, to be their caregiver. So, they do that for compassionate reasons. They may be concerned or have some feeling of responsibility.
7# CULTURAL REASONS
In some parts of the world, it is not appropriate for ex-partners to make separate living arrangements.
They should still share the same house; this is their norm. So, this is the case where culture or religious beliefs affect ex-couples’ decision to cohabitate.
So, although they are not romantically involved, the tradition requires them to remain in the same house or compound.
8# CONVENIENCY
In some cases, it is more convenient to cohabitate. For example, geographic constraints such as education, employment, family ties, etc…so some ex-partners decide to cohabitate because of job opportunities, institutions, or housing options in the areas.
In this case, cohabitating is a strategic solution, especially if the ex-couples need to stay in that specific location.
9# WAITING FOR COURT ORDER
9 great reasons why some ex-partners choose to cohabitate. Another reason is that both parties are waiting for a court order, which will decide who will keep the house.
These situations arise when the ex-partners disagree and must get the court involved for a final decision. So, they cohabitate while waiting for the court order.
CONCLUSION
9 great reasons why some ex-partners choose to cohabitate include:
. Financial reasons,
. Parental responsibilities,
. Mortgage, lease or rent agreement,
. Transitional period,
. Emotional support,
. Compassionate reasons,
. Cultural reasons,
. Convenience,
. Waiting for the court order.
This list is not exhaustive. Do you have any suggestions? Please leave in the comment section.
