Before separating, create a detailed spreadsheet itemizing all necessary monthly expenses (insurance, housing, food, childcare). This establishes a clear "survival number"—the minimum income required to live independently—providing crucial financial clarity for planning and negotiations during an emotional time.
After a Wall Street Journal article about her living arrangement went viral, city code enforcement discovered it and forced Morgan Dixon to move out of the Airstream trailer she was living in on the property, citing it was an illegal dwelling.
To assert her financial contribution during divorce, Morgan calculated the market cost of her labor as a stay-at-home parent (nanny, cook, housekeeper). This reframed her non-monetary work into a tangible economic value, aiding in a fair settlement negotiation.
Morgan finds living with her ex-husband manageable because she views it as a temporary phase while her own house is built next door. This mental model acts as a "saving grace," helping her endure the daily challenges of the unconventional but financially necessary arrangement.
By deciding on the terms of their separation themselves and using a peaceful mediator to formalize the agreement, Morgan and her ex-husband avoided costly legal battles. The entire process cost them just $4,000, which they split evenly, showcasing a much cheaper path.
The viral story about Morgan Dixon focused on the financial "lock-in effect" of her low mortgage rate. However, her primary motivation for living with her ex-husband was to provide stability for their children; the mortgage was simply the financial enabler for that choice.
As a newly single mother, Morgan was denied an affordable one-bedroom apartment due to strict HOA occupancy limits (two people per bedroom). This forced her toward more expensive options she couldn't afford, revealing systemic barriers for single-parent families in the rental market.