Why your home may not be worth fighting for in a divorce
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that every divorce has to be a contentious, bitter and drawn out disagreement between two people. At some level, any divorce could fit one or more of these descriptors — though it could also fit none of them. Ultimately, the point we are trying to make is that every divorce is a little different. Divorce doesn’t have to be the angry stereotype it is made out to be.
Since money and financial factors are inherently part of the divorce process, these factors can often be one of the biggest stumbling blocks in a divorce. So how do you navigate your way through these tough issues, making sure your divorce doesn’t become a huge argument over some minor fiscal disputes?
Your approach to the matter is crucial. You need to be calm and willing to hear your spouse’s side of the issue. Coming to an appropriate middle ground on financial issues will expedite your divorce and give the two of you the chance to walk away from your marriage without a resentment for the other person. This also means that you need to understand recognize the importance of certain assets in your divorce. It isn’t worth fighting over material items that may not be worth that much, or that you don’t even really want.
To this end, consider the family home. You may think “well that’s a critical asset, I have to fight for it!” However, it may actually be more of a hindrance than a benefit. The mortgage, the real estate taxes, and the costs associated with maintaining the home could be too much for someone who just went from two incomes to one to pay for it all.
Source: MarketWatch, “Divorce isn’t just about the money grab,” Larry Stein, July 28, 2014