It can often feel like divorce and change are synonymous as you begin the legal process. In addition to losing someone you once considered your life partner, you’ll probably also be moving out of a place you once called home for many years.
If you decide to physically separate from your soon-to-be ex prior to the finalization of your divorce, it’s crucial to keep your children at the forefront of this decision. This can start with filing for temporary orders to help ease your children into splitting their time between two homes.
What is a temporary order?
The divorce process isn’t instant. This can cause tension in the early stages, even if your ex has been more than polite since your very first conversations about going your separate ways.
To help manage the lapse in time between filing and settlement, in California, you have the option to have a temporary order hearing. A temporary order can help you sort out short-term living, custody or financial solutions prior to your divorce hearing.
Only one party is required to file for a temporary order, but both sides will be taken into consideration before a judge approves or disapproves the request.
From one to two homes
Continuing to live with your soon-to-be ex isn’t easy. But, if moving out is necessary to reduce stress in the household, then you have the option to do so.
These are a couple types of temporary orders that you might want to consider if you or your ex moves out before your divorce court date:
- Child custody or visitation: To help your children adjust to this new situation, it’s worth creating placeholder child custody or visitation terms through a temporary order. Although the permanent custody schedule might differ, creating some consistency for both you and your children will naturally provide a sense of safety during a confusing time.
- Financial support: Separate homes lead to separate finances. Since a complete division of property and assets won’t happen until after your divorce, you can consider legally filing for child and/or spousal support in the meantime. Chances are you and your ex pooled your resources together to provide the best possible care for your children. As such, jumpstarting child support payments or alimony can help you keep up the same level of care and manage a new financial situation with minimal hiccups.
Divorce-related changes aren’t easy, but they can lead to positive outcomes for both you and your children. Just make sure to hold their hand through each life adjustment.