Deciding who will keep the house can be a contentious dispute during divorce proceedings. However, it is important to recognize that there may be drawbacks to keeping a house.
If you need to divide marital property, you should consider some of the negative implications of remaining in your home after a divorce. Here are a few reasons why it may not be in your best interests to keep the house.
Mortgage payments
A house that has more debt than equity may not be worth fighting for. This is particularly true if your debt to income ratio increases after your divorce.
Ongoing costs
Apart from regular expenses such as taxes and insurance, you may have to contend with unexpected repair needs. If your household income will be substantially less than it was during your marriage or you will have to pay new expenses such as spousal or child support, all of the expenses involved in owning your current residence may not be practical for you.
Depreciation
Not all homes accrue in value. In the years ahead, your house could become less valuable than it was at the time of your divorce.
Starting fresh
Staying where you lived during your marriage could make it more difficult to move on and get closure. Changing your living situation may help you put your best foot forward after a marriage ends.
Ultimately, you need to weigh the pros and cons of keeping a home carefully. You may find that life takes you in new directions after a divorce, and you do not want your house to limit your opportunities or burden you financially.
