Living together despite divorce?

When couples with children separate, it means a major change and emotional strain for the children. Not only are the parents no longer a couple, but the joint household is often dissolved and at least one parent has to move. In Switzerland, over 15% of family households are single-parent households. In most cases, the children live alone with their mother and spend some of their free time with their father.

However, there are also other ways of living together after a separation. One of these is the family flat share. In this arrangement, the separated couple continues to live together with the children in the family apartment or house after the divorce. The family flat share is suitable for separated parents whose divorce has been largely peaceful and who remain on friendly terms. The advantage of a shared home is that the children's living situation does not change after the separation. The children can remain in their original place of residence and maintain a close relationship with both parents. The families save resources as they can continue to share not only childcare but also financial expenses.

The most important prerequisites for living well together in a family flat share are trusting communication, a willingness to compromise, mutual trust and respect. Don't hesitate to seek help in mediation or family counseling when shaping your new family life. Accusations, jealousy and eternal arguments have no place in this model. And even if new partners join the family, a great deal of openness is required from all sides. They need to be made aware of this at an early stage and be prepared to support the shared family model.

Are you separating and have an open and friendly relationship with the other parent? Then perhaps you can imagine continuing to live with your ex-partner in a family flat share.