Making informed choices about the family home in a divorce

On Behalf of | Nov 11, 2020 | Divorce

There are a variety of reasons for which you might grow attached to your home and feel somewhat reluctant to entertain the idea of letting it go. Whether the home holds a certain level of sentimental value or rests in a convenient location in Virginia, the thought of moving might hold little appeal.

However, certain circumstances in life could leave you facing difficult decisions about how best to handle such an asset. When facing the end of a marriage, the family home may play a vital role in negotiations, and knowing how to prepare to make informed choices about this asset could be vital.

The family home in divorce

As your home may hold a considerable portion of your marital wealth, the decisions you make regarding this asset may play a crucial role in the outcome of your divorce. Some tips that may help place you in a better position to choose a path could include:

  • Knowing the value: One of the first steps to take could involve obtaining the true value of your home, as such information could influence the decisions you make during your divorce.
  • Knowing the cost: It could also be helpful to understand the cost of seeking sole ownership of the home, as you might need to relinquish possession of other marital assets in exchange or pay your spouse a monetary award for his or her share of the equity in the home.
  • Maintenance and upkeep: Knowing the costs of maintaining the home and any financial obligations that come with such responsibility may also be critical to making an informed decision.
  • Mortgage concerns: It may also be necessary to find out if you qualify for a new mortgage or if you can refinance the current one in your name.
  • Financial impact: Another topic that might play a role in your decisions could involve knowing how seeking ownership of the home might affect your financial stability.
  • Emotional impact:  The home may have sentimental value, you may want to consider other emotional issues related to the divorce and the long-term impact of you remaining in the home.

If you have children, knowing how your decisions about the family home might affect their lives and the options to help them best adjust to life changes could also prove essential.

Looking ahead

Knowing the topics to consider about the family home when facing the end of your marriage could be essential to helping you prepare to weigh your options and form a strategy. This may help you create a plan that best aligns with what is important to your life. Taking the time to address each of your options thoroughly could alleviate uncertainty and help you prepare to pursue the most favorable outcome possible concerning your future during divorce proceedings.

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