In divorce, deciding what to do with the house can become a source of strife, confusion, and financial ruin. Most are unprepared for the legal and financial ramifications about keeping or selling their home--their most important financial asset. Divorce is stressful enough by itself. In the midst of other traumas, many divorcing people discover that they aren't just married to a spouse--they're married to a house and a mortgage, too. Their most financially and emotionally important asset can become a source of strife, confusion, anxiety--and all too often, financial ruin. As they discover, it's not enough to divorce their former partner; they must divorce the house--a treacherous process, fraught with risks and unexpected challenges. Navigating it successfully requires expert help--and the kind of practical information provided in this book. Few people fully understand the complexities of real estate transactions, let alone their long-term ramifications. These matters take on even greater weight when they occur in the context of a wrenching, perhaps acrimonious breakup.
Divorcing the House is a comprehensive guide written by an expert in divorce real estate that addresses all these issues, from the emotional impact to the dollars-and-cents details. It provides a framework of knowledge that will empower divorcing spouses to emerge financially sound and prepared for the future. The result is a well-rounded view of what divorcing partners can expect, and concrete advice on how to manage the process. Laurel Starks lives with her husband and two boys in Rancho Cucamonga, California.