“Living Apart Together” (LAT) is a relationship arrangement where couples maintain an intimate relationship while living in separate residences.
This unconventional setup can bring unique challenges and considerations to your divorce process. Understanding these impacts can help you manage the situation more effectively.
1. Financial implications
Maintaining separate households while living apart together often means increased individual living expenses, which can complicate the division of assets and liabilities. As you approach divorce, it’s essential to consider how this financial independence or disparity might influence decisions around alimony, child support and property division. Courts will examine your financial arrangements to determine an equitable distribution.
2. Custody and parenting arrangements
If you have children, living apart together requires navigating unique custody and parenting arrangements. While you may already share responsibilities and time with your children informally, divorce proceedings will necessitate formalizing these arrangements. Courts prioritize the best interests of the child, which means your LAT lifestyle could be reflected in detailed custody plans, better-ensuring stability and continuity for your children.
3. Emotional and psychological effects
The emotional and psychological impacts of living apart together can be complex. On one hand, having personal space can reduce marital tension and potentially lead to a more amicable divorce. On the other hand, physical separation might create emotional distance, complicating negotiations and communication. Acknowledging and addressing these emotional factors is crucial for a smoother transition during your divorce.
4. Legal considerations
Living apart together introduces unique legal considerations during divorce proceedings. Courts will need to understand the nature of your relationship and the intentions behind your LAT arrangement. Factors such as cohabitation, shared finances and long-term commitments are evaluated to determine if your LAT setup constitutes a de facto marriage or partnership. This determination can significantly impact outcomes related to asset division and spousal support.
If you are in an LAT arrangement and considering divorce, legal guidance could come in handy to help you understand your rights, manage the process and help ensure that all aspects of your unique situation are properly addressed.