The Marital Home

Common Outcomes for the Marital Home in Divorce

There is no single answer to the question of what happens to the house in a divorce. The outcome depends heavily on the couple’s financial circumstances, ownership history, market conditions, and each spouse’s personal plans. Some of the most common outcomes include:

1. One Spouse Buys Out the Other

Often, one spouse wishes to remain in the home, either for stability, emotional reasons, or to minimize disruption for children. In these cases, the spouse who remains typically buys out the other spouse’s share, which may involve:

Refinancing the mortgage
Paying a lump sum equal to half the equity (or the agreed amount)
Offsetting the buyout with other marital assets

Before approving this option, courts may consider whether the spouse keeping the home can realistically afford the mortgage and upkeep.

2. The Home Is Sold and the Proceeds Are Divided

In many cases, neither spouse is able—or wishes—to keep the home alone. Selling the house can be the most practical way to ensure that equity is fairly divided. Once sold, the net proceeds are generally split equitably based on the marital estate and any relevant legal considerations.

This option is particularly common when:

Both spouses want a fresh start
Maintaining the home is financially unrealistic for either party
There is significant equity that needs to be divided

3. Deferred Sale or Temporary Possession

In dissolutions involving minor children, courts sometimes allow the parent with primary custody to remain in the home for a set period. This arrangement—sometimes called a “nesting” arrangement or deferred sale—can reduce disruption for children by allowing them to stay in familiar surroundings until a future date, such as:

The children reaching a certain age
The completion of the school year
A specified court-ordered date

After the set period expires, the home is typically sold or bought out by one spouse.

Additional Issues That May Affect the Marital Home

Beyond deciding who will retain the home or whether it will be sold, several additional issues often need to be analyzed:

Separate Property Contributions

If one spouse purchased the home before marriage or made the entire down payment using separate funds—such as an inheritance, premarital savings, or a gift—he or she may have a claim to recover that separate contribution. These cases often require tracing and careful financial documentation to prove the separate nature of the source.

Improvements and Sweat Equity

If a spouse made significant improvements to the home—such as renovations, additions, or major repairs—the value added by that work may be considered during property division. Compensation may be awarded for:

Skilled labor
Personal effort
Financial contributions toward improvements
Value added to the home as a result of those efforts

Market Conditions and Appraisals

Determining the value of the home typically requires a professional appraisal. Market conditions, comparable sales, and the home’s overall condition can all influence its valuation. In high-asset or disputed cases, parties sometimes hire separate appraisers, or the court may appoint one.

How We Approach Cases Involving the Marital Home

When you hire Stange Law Firm, PC, our attorneys conduct a thorough review of all issues related to your home, including:

The title and ownership history
The source of funds used for the purchase or improvements
Any commingling or transmutation concerns
Market value and equity
Tax implications of keeping or selling the home
Affordability and financial feasibility

With this information, we craft a tailored legal strategy designed to protect your interests and secure the most favorable outcome available. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, our firm is committed to advocating strongly for your property rights.