One of the most significant moments in a marital split, both from a legal standpoint and a personal one, is when one of the parties officially “moves out” of the home. This is not always a clean break for families; some people may come in and out of the home over the course of separation, while others will insist on staying until the divorce is final. While the legal best practices may vary and require a trained North Carolina family lawyer to sort through, there are some general pieces of advice to help people make a clean move that inspires “moving on.”
Often in a divorce, people are concerned about what they get to keep. But, what about the items that are best to throw away? Sentimental items, furnishings that remind someone of their past life, or décor more suited to the ex-spouse could all be on the chopping block. Depending on the value of these items, selling them could also be a way to fund a “fresh start” following a divorce.
It is important to be clear about the division of property during the divorce, so that someone doesn’t dispose of an item that is called into question later on. This is one of the reasons people may wait until a divorce is final to leave the house. However, once the official split does take place and one is clear on the items that are “there,” it is a good idea to take an inventory of what items are missing from the home which are needed for day-to-day living. For example, if the ex-spouse took the pots and pans, take note to get replacements. Considering these things in advance can save stress and frustration later on, as no one wants to be caught off-guard by items that feel like they are missing.
Depending on the legal circumstances around a divorce, staying in the home may be in one’s best interest for North Carolina couples parting ways. However, this is not always the case, especially if the home is abusive or there are children for whom cohabiting is not in the best interest. It is therefore critical to see a lawyer to discuss the specifics of one’s case and get tailored advice to support the best possible outcome.