I bought a duplex with my ex so we could co-parent our son. He has 2 rooms and I get privacy.
Business Insider
March 4, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
After splitting from her husband, the author and her ex chose an unconventional approach to co-parenting by purchasing a duplex together. This arrangement allowed them to maintain shared custody of their son while living separately but under the same roof. The decision was driven by financial practicality—renting two apartments would have been too costly—and the desire for independence while still collaborating on parenting responsibilities.
The couple found themselves in a difficult situation after their marriage fell apart during the pandemic, with stress and political differences contributing to their separation. They faced challenges like managing costs for two households and coordinating schedules as single parents. Instead of renting separate apartments, they opted for a duplex, which offered a lower mortgage and allowed them to build equity. The duplex provided the perfect balance: shared space for co-parenting while giving each parent their own privacy.
The arrangement has mostly worked well for their family. Their son adapts easily to having two rooms in the duplex, ensuring he always has access to his belongings without needing to travel between locations. This setup also fosters flexibility in parenting schedules, allowing them to support each other when needed. However, challenges like noise from upstairs and limited privacy when dating new partners have been minor hurdles.
From a business perspective, this approach highlights creative solutions for post-divorce living arrangements. It demonstrates how financial collaboration can help maintain stability for both parents and their child while preserving an amicable relationship. The duplex model could serve as inspiration for others seeking alternative ways to manage separation costs and co-parenting logistics.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 3/4/2026