Category: Divorce

Figuring out what to do with a house/mortgage when you get divorced can be rather complicated. It may be tempting to sell assets before the divorce, but each state has their own laws regarding this. These blog posts will teach you everything you need to know about selling a house when you are going through a major life change such as a divorce.

  • How to Sell a House During a Divorce Without Drama

    How to Sell a House During a Divorce Without Drama

    How to Sell a House During a Divorce Without Drama

    Divorce is hard. Add selling a home into the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for serious stress. But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Selling a house during a divorce can be handled with grace, strategy, and a bit of teamwork—even if you’re not exactly best friends with your ex. Let’s break it down, step by step, so you can move on with your life (and your equity) without unnecessary drama.

    Understanding the Emotional Landscape

    Why Selling a Home During Divorce Feels So Personal

    Your home is more than walls and a roof—it’s where memories live. Deciding to sell it can feel like losing part of your identity, especially when you didn’t see the divorce coming.

    The Role of Emotions in Financial Decisions

    When feelings run high, rational thinking often flies out the window. Anger, guilt, sadness—these can all cloud your judgment and make you want to dig your heels in just to win an argument. But the goal isn’t to win; it’s to close the sale cleanly and move on.

    How to Emotionally Prepare for the Sale

    Think of selling the house as turning a page. It’s okay to grieve, but focus on the opportunity ahead. Talk to a therapist if needed. Let logic lead your decisions, not resentment.

    Legal Considerations

    Who Legally Owns the Property?

    Check your title and deed. Is it joint ownership? One spouse’s name only? That changes how proceeds are split and who can authorize a sale.

    How Divorce Agreements Affect the Sale

    Your divorce decree might spell out exactly what to do with the home—or you might be in the middle of figuring that out. Either way, court orders must be followed.

    When Court Intervention is Necessary

    If one party refuses to cooperate, the court can force a sale. It’s a last resort but sometimes unavoidable.

    Communicating With Your Ex-Spouse

    Setting Boundaries and Expectations

    Keep it businesslike. Set clear rules on communication—texts only, weekly updates, or a shared email. Don’t rely on memory; write it down.

    Keeping Conversations Focused on the Goal

    You’re not here to rehash old fights. You’re here to sell a house. Keep every convo laser-focused on that.

    Using Mediators or Real Estate Professionals to Bridge Gaps

    Can’t talk without arguing? That’s fine. Let a neutral third party handle it. Many real estate agents specialize in working with divorcing couples.

    Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent

    Why You Need an Agent Experienced in Divorce Sales

    An experienced agent knows the landmines and how to navigate them. They act as a buffer, a negotiator, and sometimes a therapist.

    Questions to Ask Before Hiring

    • Have you worked with divorcing couples before?
    • How do you handle conflict?
    • Can you communicate with both parties equally?

    Setting Up Joint Communication Channels

    Selling for Cash Without a Real Estate Agent

    If time is of the essence, a good option can be to sell your house to a cash buyer, like Fair Deal Home Buyers. Cash buyers don’t need third-party lenders and can close quickly on your house. What’s more, they buy houses in any condition, so you won’t have to invest in repairs for a house that you want to sell anyway.

    Shared group texts or email threads with the agent ensure transparency. No one gets left out of the loop.

    Preparing the Home for Sale

    Who Pays for Repairs and Staging?

    Split the costs evenly, or agree on a set budget from the proceeds. Keep receipts for everything.

    Dividing Responsibilities Fairly

    One can handle showings, the other the paperwork. Play to each other’s strengths.

    Maintaining Neutrality in Décor and Presentation

    No personal photos, no aggressive art. Aim for neutral, welcoming, and buyer-friendly.

    Pricing and Marketing Strategy

    Agreeing on a Listing Price

    This is where the agent’s experience comes in. Rely on a professional market analysis, not personal opinions.

    How to Handle Offers Together

    Decide ahead of time how you’ll review and approve offers. Set a system and stick to it.

    The Role of Transparency and Trust

    Even if trust is low, be honest about offers and decisions. It’s in both your best interests to get top dollar.

    Splitting the Proceeds

    Pre-agreeing on How the Money Will Be Divided

    Put it in writing before the sale closes. Nothing derails a deal like fighting over money at the last minute.

    Tax Implications to Consider

    Capital gains, filing status, and exemptions can get tricky. Talk to an accountant to avoid surprises.

    What Happens If One Party Refuses to Cooperate?

    The court can step in, but that means more time, more money, and more stress. Cooperation saves everyone.

    Avoiding Common Mistakes

    Letting Emotions Override Logic

    This isn’t about punishing your ex—it’s about closing a chapter with dignity.

    Going in Without Legal Advice

    Even if things seem amicable, always get legal advice. Protect your interests.

    Making Decisions Out of Spite

    Don’t tank a deal just to annoy your ex. It hurts you too.

    When One Spouse Wants to Keep the House

    Buyouts and Refinancing Options

    If one person wants to stay, they can buy the other out. A refinance is usually required.

    Getting a Home Appraisal

    Get a third-party appraisal to settle on a fair price.

    Pros and Cons of Keeping the Home Post-Divorce

    It might feel comforting, but consider long-term costs and upkeep. Can you truly afford it?

    Using Mediation and Legal Help

    Benefits of Mediation Over Litigation

    It’s faster, cheaper, and less adversarial. Plus, you get more control over the outcome.

    Hiring the Right Divorce Attorney

    Look for someone experienced in property division, not just custody battles.

    When a Neutral Third Party is the Best Option

    Sometimes, neither of you can make clear decisions. That’s when a mediator can keep things moving.

    Timing the Sale

    Should You Sell Before, During, or After the Divorce?

    Each has pros and cons. Selling before may simplify finances; selling after can give clarity.

    Real Estate Market Conditions

    If it’s a hot market, you might want to sell ASAP. If not, waiting might be smarter.

    Personal Readiness and Stability

    Don’t rush if you’re not mentally or emotionally ready. Stability helps decisions stay smart.

    Dealing with Children in the Process

    Making the Transition Easier for Kids

    Keep them informed but not overwhelmed. Emphasize stability and love.

    Avoiding Arguments in Front of Children

    This isn’t their fight. Keep it out of earshot.

    Keeping Communication Age-Appropriate

    Speak to them in a way they understand, based on their age and maturity.

    Protecting Your Credit and Finances

    Closing Joint Accounts and Mortgages

    Once the house sells, close everything jointly owned. Don’t leave loose ends.

    Monitoring Credit Reports

    Check your credit regularly to make sure no new debts are sneaking in.

    Avoiding Financial Sabotage

    Yes, people do this. Don’t let yourself be a victim. Lock down your finances.

    Finalizing the Sale Smoothly

    Coordinating the Closing

    Both parties must sign documents and agree on terms. Stay available and responsive.

    Celebrating a Fresh Start Respectfully

    This isn’t a win or loss. It’s a new beginning.

    Post-Sale Transition Planning

    Know where you’re going, how you’ll get there, and what the next steps are.

    Conclusion

    Selling a house during a divorce is never easy—but it doesn’t have to be a battlefield. With the right mindset, clear communication, and professional support, you can get through it with minimal stress and drama. Remember, this is just one step in your journey toward a fresh start. Handle it with wisdom, grace, and a focus on the future.

    FAQs

    1. Can I force my ex to sell the house?
      Only a judge can order a forced sale if your ex refuses. You’ll likely need a lawyer to get that process started.
    2. What if my ex won’t agree on a price?
      Use a neutral third party, like your real estate agent or a court-appointed appraiser, to determine fair market value.
    3. Should we sell the house before the divorce is final?
      It depends on your situation. Selling before can simplify things, but always consult your attorney.
    4. What happens if only one name is on the mortgage?
      Ownership and responsibility for the mortgage aren’t always the same. Legal advice is key here.
    5. Can we use the same agent during the divorce?
      Yes, and it’s often a good idea. Just ensure the agent remains neutral and communicates equally with both parties.

     

  • Wisconsin Divorce Law and Selling a House: A Q&A With A Divorce Attorney

    Wisconsin Divorce Law and Selling a House: A Q&A With A Divorce Attorney

    [cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_headline _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]Wisconsin Divorce Law and Selling a House: A Q&A With A Divorce Attorney \n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_text _id=”5″ ][cs_content_seo]If you own a house in Wisconsin and are about to start divorce proceedings—or have already begun them—the first thing you should do is give yourself a thorough financial self-exam. That’s the advice of Thomas R. Napierala of the North Shore Law Firm. 
    “Ask yourself if you can afford to keep your house, and if so, which spouse gets it. If you can’t decide on a plan quick, you should probably sell because delay increases the cost of holding it.” 
    Attorney Napierala graduated from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1990. He has practiced family law in southeastern Wisconsin since then. Over the decades, Napierala has witnessed people squabble over houses more times than he can count. 
    Fair Deal Home Buyers sat down with Napierala to find out what you should know if you are going through divorce in Wisconsin and a house is involved.
    Fair Deal Home Buyers (FDHB): In your experience, by the time a divorce is completed—and if there was a house involved—does it end up getting sold?
    Thomas R. Napierala (TRN): Yes. Generally, a house is the biggest asset. Wisconsin is an Equitable Distribution State and it’s presumed each spouse is awarded 50 percent of the value of the house or the equity. Unless both parties are sitting on a lot of liquid assets, 65 to 70 percent of the time the house must be sold just to help pay lawyer fees. The reality is you’re going from one household with shared expenses to two, which is a more expensive lifestyle.
    FDHB: Should a couple sell their home before they start divorce procedures or after? 
    TRN: Typically, there’s no absolute rule. Sometimes people see what’s coming and they’ll work it out and sell the house ahead of time. But that’s rare. Generally, the house is sold during the divorce case, sometimes after.
    FDHB: Are there alternatives to selling the house?
    TRN: Buying the other party out is fine if one person wants the house and the other person doesn’t mind selling it and they can agree on the value and have the money to make it happen. The problem is, all of those factors can cause conflict. Maybe both want the house? Maybe they can’t agree on its value, or how it will be sold? Or even if the person who buys it should rehab it and sell it. Buying the other party out can open a huge can of worms. 
    FDHB: Can people avoid the headache of selling by agreeing to co-own a house?
    TRN: Yes, but this is very rare for several reasons. Who is responsible for repairs? Who will hire contractors? Who decides how much money should be invested in the home for repairs? Who has access? It can be done if both people are detail oriented and agreeable, but generally co-owning is a road to a lot of problems. I think it’s preferable for each party to go their separate ways.
    FDHB: What other types of problems arise when people who are going through a divorce try to sell their house?
    TRN: Often, one person is more motivated to sell than the other one, who might want to hold out to get top dollar for the house. There can be marketing disputes, such as how much money should be invested in the home to get it ready for sale. Or, if one of the spouses is living there, that person will probably have less incentive to liquidate, whereas the person who isn’t living there will be eager to get the money. 
    FDHB: Any more advice?
    TRN: Unless you have plenty of liquid assets, I recommend selling the house sooner rather than later. You have to come up with a plan because if you can’t come to an agreement on the house, the courts will step in and order a realtor or receiver to own the home temporarily. If a couple can’t agree on selling, the realtor or receiver will sell the house, and this person isn’t looking to maximize returns, they’re looking to liquidate the property. As I said, delay just increases costs.
    Napierala Law Offices, LLC (NorthShoreLawFirm.com) serves metro-Milwaukee and all of southeastern Wisconsin.  \n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_column][/cs_element_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”6″ ][cs_element_row _id=”7″ ][cs_element_column _id=”8″ ][cs_element_global_block _id=”9″ ][/cs_element_column][/cs_element_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]

  • Liquidating Assets Prior to Divorce in Mequon

    Liquidating Assets Prior to Divorce in Mequon

    [cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_headline _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]Liquidating Assets Prior to Divorce in Mequon
    \n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_text _id=”5″ ][cs_content_seo]Selling your house can be difficult to do when going through a divorce. It is emotionally and financially draining for you and those involved, but did you know that selling your house may benefit you and help you pay for the divorce? 
    If you are interested in liquidating your assets prior to divorce, then keep reading. We will go over everything you need to do to get your house sold. 
    Selling Your House during a Divorce
    Selling your house during a divorce is more complicated than selling before you start the process because of the Standard Family Law Restraining Orders that go into effect as soon as the divorce petition is filed. 
    Here are some of the stipulations from Farzad Law when trying to sell your home while going through a divorce.  
    The stipulation and order to sell the house during a divorce stipulation means agreement. Therefore, a stipulation and order is an agreement that becomes a court order. Possibly the easiest way to sell the house during a divorce is through a written and signed agreement between the spouses that then becomes a court order. Effective legal representation is important. Speak to your family law attorney about the terms that fit your needs.
    Some of those may be the following:

    Will the selection of the real estate professional be a mutual one? Will one spouse provide the other with a list to choose from or will there be another way to choose one?
    How will the price be set? Will it be up to the real estate professional subject to the approval of the spouses?
    How will the price be reduced, if necessary?
    Will one spouse be the lead in all communications with the real estate professional or will every discussion and decision have to go through both spouses?
    Will both spouses need to formally approve all offers, counteroffers, and acceptances?
    Which spouse will ensure the home is ready for showing to prospective buyers? Will the home be shown even if neither spouse is present?
    Is there an agreed dollar amount that, if offered, will result in an acceptance of an offer or will the spouses have the ability to negotiate any price?
    Are there liens or encumbrances other than the mortgage that needs to be paid from the sale proceeds? Are they undisputed as a community or separate property and, therefore, from whose share they will be paid?
    What will happen to the sale proceeds? Will it be distributed to the parties, in whole or in part? Will it be characterized in the stipulation and order as community property, separate property or will that characterization be reserved for the court to determine later?
    Are there reimbursement claims by either spouse, such as one resulting from a separate property down payment that can lead to Family Code 2640 claims?”

    These are all things that will need to be sorted out before being able to sell your house. And if you are going through a divorce, then this can be not only emotionally overwhelming, but expensive as well. You already have to pay for your divorce so you probably don’t want to pay for a lawyer to sell your house on top of everything else. So what are your options? 
    Sell Your House before Filing for the Divorce
    If you can, sell your house before filing for the divorce. Once you have made the decision to get a divorce you probably don’t want to wait the time it takes to sell your home on your own or with a realtor. 
    A cash buyer is a good person to reach out to in this situation. Fair Deal Home Buyers is a cash buying company that will purchase your home in a short seven days. We will come out and give you an offer and because we have the cash waiting for you, we will be able to get you out of your home fast before you start to file for divorce.
    Contact us today at 414-409-8251. We help people in this same situation all the time. We understand how hard this can be and we are here to help you feel comfortable through this entire process. \n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_column][/cs_element_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”6″ ][cs_element_row _id=”7″ ][cs_element_column _id=”8″ ][cs_element_global_block _id=”9″ ][/cs_element_column][/cs_element_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]

  • Selling Assets Before Divorce in Wisconsin

    Selling Assets Before Divorce in Wisconsin

    [cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_headline _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]Selling Assets Before Divorce\n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_text _id=”5″ ][cs_content_seo]Selling assets before divorce is something that many who find themselves in this type of stressful situation may attempt to do. It is a rough time that the couple is going through and there are a lot of mixed emotions. You are most likely concerned about how the money that you have, your house, and other assets will be divided. But most of the time selling your assets can just make a bad situation worse.
    What you may not realize is that this can get you into some serious legal trouble. Every state has its own specific laws as to how assets are to be distributed in a divorce. If you are considering selling your assets, you need to look closely at what the rules are. In general, the rules will fall into one of two categories.  
    Community Property States
    Those states that are classed as community property states have laws in place that create a 50-50 split of the assets that were accumulated during the marriage. It doesn’t matter which of the parties may have actually purchased them, they are considered to be part of the marital assets. 
    There are situations where individuals enter into a marriage and bring some assets into the marriage with them. This could be a specific amount of money such as savings, or perhaps a home or other type of asset. In this case, these types of assets will not be considered as part of the community property of the marriage. The exception to this is if you decided to co-mingle these assets in your relationship. It can get a little confusing when it comes to assets owned prior to the marriage and what happens to them during a divorce. 
    For example, if you have $25,000 in a bank account in your name, when you entered into the marriage and you kept it in your name, then that is your asset.  However, if you took that money and put it into a joint account with your spouse then you have co-mingled that asset and it is part of the marital assets. Or you may have entered into the marriage with a new vehicle that was in your name, and you kept it that way. This too may not be considered as part of the marital estate.
    Equitable Distribution States
    When selling your assets you need to determine if the laws are based on equitable distribution. In this case, the splitting of the assets is based on fairness according to the specific circumstances of the marriage. While the law states each of the parties are entitled to a share it doesn’t mean that each will get half. Many contributing factors are taken into account when the equitable distribution is being determined. 
    It will take into account what each of the parties has contributed during the course of the marriage as well as how long the marriage was in place. Usually selling assets before a divorce and dividing assets means the laws of the state are not being adhered to. This can create legal consequences for the party attempting to sell assets before divorce. Selling assets before the divorce is finalized can be viewed as committing a crime and you can very easily get caught.
    What some will attempt to do is hide their assets before actually selling them. This is so they will not be included in the marriage estate.  During the divorce proceeding, there is what is called a ‘Discovery’. This is where both spouses must provide all their information about their assets and financial information to each other. If you are hiding assets or have been active in selling assets before divorce and you do not disclose this you could be charged with perjury. 
    While the sale of assets before the divorce may be tempting for many different reasons, it really is not something that you want to participate in because no matter whether you are just contemplating doing so, it will probably get you into some serious legal trouble. You need to take the time to research the divorce laws of the state and make sure that you rely on the proper resources to assist you with making the right decisions. There is a lot that has to be considered regarding the sale of the home, and no doubt you and your spouse want to get the most for it if you decide to sell. If the value of the home is not going to cover the mortgage outstanding then you may want to find alternatives to selling assets before divorce. 
    Sell Your House Fast
    Selling a house quickly after a divorce can be a stressful situation. If you need to sell your house fast and don’t want to go to all of the work, Fair Deal Home Buyers will give you a cash offer in 24 hours. Just give us a call at 414-409-8251!\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_column][/cs_element_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”6″ ][cs_element_row _id=”7″ ][cs_element_column _id=”8″ ][cs_element_global_block _id=”9″ ][/cs_element_column][/cs_element_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]

  • What Happens to a Mortgage After Divorce in Wisconsin?

    What Happens to a Mortgage After Divorce in Wisconsin?

    [cs_content][cs_element_section _id=”1″ ][cs_element_row _id=”2″ ][cs_element_column _id=”3″ ][cs_element_headline _id=”4″ ][cs_content_seo]What Happens to a Mortgage After Divorce in Wisconsin?
    \n\n[/cs_content_seo][cs_element_text _id=”5″ ][cs_content_seo]Figuring out what to do with a house that has a mortgage on it after divorce can be daunting. This is a question that comes up at a time when your life is probably in turmoil, and the last thing you want to do is deal with a mortgage.
    When it comes to the mortgage, it can mean that the division of the equity in it has to be determined. Then it may mean trying to decide whether the home is to be sold or not. There may also be liabilities regarding the home that have to be dealt with.

    What Are the Responsibilities for the Mortgage After Divorce?
    Responsibilities for the mortgage after divorce are not something that most people deal with on a regular basis. It is understandable why there would be so many questions that arise pertaining to it.
    One of the common questions is whether the house has to go through a sale so the equity can be divided. There is an alternative to this where one party can buy out the other. If this is the route that is taken, usually the spouse that is going to buy the home will have to go through a mortgage assumption so they can pay the other spouse their share of the equity.
    What has to be decided quickly when it comes to dealing with the mortgage after divorce is who is going to be responsible for paying it.

    Who Will Pay the Mortgage?
    If the mortgage has been held jointly, then legally both spouses are equally responsible for making payments. If the mortgage is not paid, the lender can come after both parties.
    During the divorce agreement, it should be legally determined who is going to assume the mortgage payment responsibility. There are times where agreements are made between a couple to just transfer the title to the other partner. This can be done with a quit claim deed.
    This means the party signing over their ownership will no longer have any claims to the property. That does not mean that the spouse giving up their rights to the property is no longer responsible for the mortgage after divorce.
    To prevent this there has to be a transfer of liability. This can be done by the spouse who is taking ownership by taking on a mortgage assumption or arranging for a loan modification after divorce.
    In most cases, the better route to take is to assume the mortgage which will then have the responsibility for paying it moved over to the spouse who is going to keep the house.
    This will only work if the spouse applying for the mortgage assumption meets the criteria put in place by the mortgage lender. If this is the case, then it may be possible to obtain a home equity loan for refinancing.

    What If the Value of the Home Is Lower Than the Mortgage?
    Not every couple going through a divorce is going to make a profit from the sale of the home, and that selling it will clear off the mortgage. There are times where the value of the home is lower than the mortgage.
    If the buyout partner cannot qualify for a loan modification after divorce or come up with other ways to buy the house, then it creates a difficult situation.
    What could possibly be arranged is putting off the buyout or selling the house. It means an agreement would have to be reached to this effect by the two spouses.
    If you are trying to sell your Wisconsin house after a divorce, Fair Deal Home Buyers will give you a cash offer as soon as 24 hours! To get your cash offer, or to get answers to any questions you have, call us at 414-409-8251. There are no obligations in contacting us!\n\n[/cs_content_seo][/cs_element_column][/cs_element_row][/cs_element_section][cs_element_section _id=”6″ ][cs_element_row _id=”7″ ][cs_element_column _id=”8″ ][cs_element_global_block _id=”9″ ][/cs_element_column][/cs_element_row][/cs_element_section][/cs_content]