A Baltimore bankruptcy, divorce and personal injury attorney with more than 18 years of experience.

Making informed choices about the family home in a divorce

On Behalf of | Nov 4, 2022 | Family Law

The end of a marriage may bring significant change to the lives of those involved, and preparing for the process can seem an intimidating task. If you and your spouse decide to part ways, you may face a variety of difficult decisions as you work toward creating a strategy to protect your future interests. 

One topic that may play a significant role in many scenarios might pertain to the family home, as this asset could consist of a significant portion of your marital wealth. Taking time to carefully evaluate your options in this regard might prove essential to preparing to make informed choices concerning your Maryland home. 

Factors to consider 

While seeking ownership of the family home may seem appealing at times, it might not always be the best path in every scenario. Some factors to address that could help you better prepare to choose a path that aligns with your future needs may include: 

  • Property value: Obtaining the proper value of the family home may help you understand how much it would cost to buy out your soon-to-be former spouse’s interests in the property. 
  • Negotiations: If a buyout isn’t possible, you may be able to relinquish ownership of other marital assets in exchange for ownership of the home, but this might not always be the best path. 
  • Upkeep and taxes: Evaluating the monthly expenses involved with seeking ownership of the home and addressing topics such as taxes and taxable gains may also be essential to making informed choices. 
  • The transition: It may also be helpful to address the financial changes you might face after transitioning into life on your own, as this may also influence the choices you make during the end of your marriage. 

Since making decisions about the family home can be challenging during an emotional process such as divorce, it might be in your best interests to seek guidance in navigating the process. 

Protecting your future 

Going through the end of a marriage can be a stressful process, and preparing to reign in your emotions and keep your feelings from influencing your decisions can be difficult at times. Fortunately, you don’t have to face this alone. Seeking guidance in evaluating your situation could be vital to helping you prepare for what comes next. Such advice may help you create a strategy that focuses on what is best for your future and help you transition into the next stage of your life with confidence.