Can you afford to keep the marital home?

On Behalf of | Apr 11, 2022 | Property Division |

One thing that has to be determined in a divorce is what will happen to the marital home. This isn’t always easy to figure out but it must be done before the divorce can be finalized. If you’re facing this decision, there are a few points that you need to think about.

There are three primary options for the marital home. You can sell it and split the profit. One person can buy the other out. Both parties can continue to live in the home. For some individuals, wanting to keep the marital home is a priority. But, is it realistic to do this?

What expenses should you consider if you want to keep the marital home?

Just because you could afford the marital home when you were married doesn’t mean that you can afford it after the divorce. Remember, you’re going to rely solely on your income. Unless you were the sole income earner in the marriage, you have to think about the total cost of keeping the home. 

You’ll be responsible for paying the mortgage on the house. On top of that, the homeowner’s insurance, property taxes, upkeep, maintenance, and repairs. These can be rather costly, so you should ensure that your budget will be able to handle those expenses before you fight to keep the marital home. There may be other assets that would serve you better as you embark on your new life. 

Carefully consider every aspect of the property division settlement before you agree to one. You have to ensure that your rights are respected and do what’s in your best interests. Working with a team that can help you to do these is beneficial.