Can I Make My Spouse Move out of the House?

vacate marital residence divorce

If it negatively impacts the children, can I force my spouse to vacate the marital residence during a divorce?

vacate marital residence divorceThis is a frequent question all divorce lawyers are asked typically at the beginning of a divorce case. Obviously, their marital relationship has deteriorated or completely broken down for them to be considering a divorce. In legal jargon, their question pertains to obtaining an order for their spouse to vacate the marital residence  and not reenter the home without the remaining spouse’s permission. This is often referred to as an Order for Sole and Exclusive Use of the Marital Residence.

Many times one spouse or the other may agree voluntarily to move out of the home temporarily during the divorce for a multitude of reasons. One of the frequent reasons is simply to avoid continued conflict and stress. It is important to note that moving out does not cause the vacating spouse to lose or in any way diminish their property interest in the home. If there are children involved, always discuss this issue with your divorce lawyer first as that decision may impact the determination of the custody of the children. Without such an agreement or a court … Read More... “Can I Make My Spouse Move out of the House?”

Divorce: Options to Dispose of the Marital Residence

What Are The Options To Consider When Disposing Of The Marital Residence In A Divorce Proceeding?

divorce marital residenceIn the usual divorce or dissolution proceeding, the disposition of the marital residence is often one of the most important decisions in the case and one of the most emotional issues with the exception of “custody” of the minor child or children. One or both parties may have very strong emotional ties to the home and may overlook important financial considerations in their quest to “keep” the family home.

I now provide to you my list of available options in disposing of the marital residence during divorce:

  1. Sell the residential property for the “best obtainable price” and divide the net sale proceeds.
  2. Sell the residential property for the “best obtainable price” and use the net sale proceeds to pay off marital debt or to pay down marital debt.
  3. Determine the equity in the marital residence, if any, with one party “buying the other party out” of his or her interest in the marital residence.
  4. Determine if the home is “upside down” meaning that the mortgage indebtedness is greater than the fair market value of the home.

I shall next discuss each option in … Read More... “Divorce: Options to Dispose of the Marital Residence”