ARTICLE · 10 JULY 2023

Separation under one roof: how does it work?

Ivy Law Group

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The parties must both agree and acknowledge that the relationship has irretrievably broken down.

AustraliaFamily and Matrimonial

Andrea Verteouris

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Separation under one roof can occur when the parties to a relationship separate but continue to live in the same home. This is most often due to financial reasons but could also be due to one person not wanting to leave the matrimonial home, or if there are children of the relationship. In this article, we look at what separation under one roof means, how to amicably navigate your separation and how to protect yourself if you choose to continue living together.

What does separation under the one roof mean?

For parties to be 'separated under one roof' they both agree and acknowledge that the relationship has irretrievably broken down. When you do make the decision to separate, it is important to note down the exact date for two reasons:

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