How to Live with Your Partner During Divorce: 10 Survival Tips
- sarahsteelecoachin
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
By Sarah Steele, Accredited Breakup and Divorce Master Coach, Life Coach and Neuro Linguistic Practitioner.
Divorcing while still living under the same roof? You're not alone, I know, because I speak to a lot of my clients about this, and I want you to know that, and you're not doomed.
Many couples find themselves in this situation, often due to financial limitations, housing constraints, or for the sake of co-parenting.
It’s not easy, and yes, it can be challenging, but it is manageable with the right boundaries, mindset, and communication strategy.
Here are my 10 simple but powerful tips to help you navigate this difficult in-between phase with dignity and clarity:
1. Set Clear Physical Boundaries
Decide who sleeps where, how shared spaces are used, and what areas you each need for personal time.
Boundaries create a sense of emotional safety in a shared environment and will help you protect your peace.
2. Establish Conversational Boundaries
Agree on when and how you’ll discuss the practical matters of the divorce, like finances, custody, or timelines.
Pick a calm, scheduled time (once a week works for many), and make it clear that discussions about the relationship, blame, or emotional wounds are off-limits during these talks.
And always, never have these conversations in front of the children. Protect their emotional space.
3. Create a Simple Routine
Agree on the basics of household management: meals, chores, children’s schedules, and quiet times.
Having a rhythm helps reduce tension and keeps everyone focused on functioning day-to-day.
4. Keep Things Civil — Like Housemates
You may not be spouses anymore, but you can act like respectful housemates. Keep conversations neutral, brief, and business-like when needed.
5. Avoid Emotional Triggers
This isn’t the time to rehash the past or get drawn into blame. If something sparks emotion, take a breath and step away.
Save emotional processing for a coach or a journal.
6. Communicate in Writing When Necessary
Sometimes, texting or emailing is more effective and less heated, especially for logistical issues.
Shared calendars or lists can also help manage parenting and household responsibilities.
7. Give Each Other Space
Even under one roof, create space for alone time. Go for walks, use different rooms, and respect each other’s need for privacy.
8. Be Transparent with your children — But Age-Appropriate
Children don’t need to know the details, but they do need honesty and reassurance. Let them know the family is changing, but they are loved, safe, and not to blame.
9. Focus on the Goal
This living situation is temporary. Keep your eyes on the long-term goal: a peaceful separation and a fresh start.
Let that motivate you to take the high road, even when it’s hard.
10. Get Support
Don’t try to do this alone. A divorce coach like me can help you stay grounded, make rational, clear decisions, and manage your emotional energy during this difficult time.
Sarahs Final Thoughts
Living with your partner during a divorce is one of the toughest things you may ever do, but it’s possible to do it with strength and clarity.
Protect your space, your children, and your peace. Boundaries aren't about building walls; they're about protecting what matters most.
If this is your reality right now, know this: you're not failing, you're managing a hard situation the best way you can. And that takes courage.
Need help creating a functionally friendly environment while you navigate this transition?
As an Accredited experienced Breakup, Separation and Divorce Coach, I can support you in setting boundaries, reducing conflict, and making this chapter more manageable for you and your family.
📩 Get in touch today to take the next step toward peace, clarity, and a smoother separation.
With warmth,
Sarah x
Sarah SteeleAccredited Breakup, Separation and Divorce Coach & Master Practitioner, here to support you in building fair, child-focused co-parenting plans.
Why not book a free Discovery call via my Calendly link below:
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