The Greater Cost of Two Separate Homes

Summary:  Divorce or legal separation means separating from one household to two different residences. The financial burden is doubled (sometimes more than double) and is usually underestimated. Try to live under one roof as long as possible Your new residence must be selected based on your new budget.

Don't Underestimate the Big Cost of the Change From One Home to Two Homes.

Most separating couples underestimate the cost of separating to two different households.

After the separation, the financial needs are greater because two separate households must be supported. Both parents attempt to maintain a household which is about equal to the one household they had before the separation.  And usually they cannot afford that.

Often one of the parties must begin paying a high health insurance premium which was not paid prior to the separation. And sometimes additional child day care expenses must be paid. 

Often child support and maintenance (alimony) must be paid, which further strains both budgets.

This is the primary reason that divorce has such severe financial consequences.

Make sure that you choose your new residence based on your budget.

Tip: Try to live in one household as long as possible. Generally no child support or maintenance (alimony) will be ordered until the separation to two separate households. Be realistic as to how much you can afford when you select a different residence.