Is it best to sell a property before a divorce?

For many, divorce can be a stressful and emotionally draining time, even if kids aren’t in the equation. If you have been together for a long time or hold joint assets such as a joint mortgage it can be difficult splitting the finances equally. This can lead to expensive legal fees and more stress and hassle. 

However, what if you sell the property before your divorce? Is this the best way to avoid too much financial burden and further emotional turmoil?  

In this post, we discuss the pros and cons of selling your home before your divorce goes through and how we can help you. 

What are the benefits of selling my house before my divorce? 

There are many benefits to consider when it comes to selling your property before you file for divorce. Selling your property before your divorce could potentially save you thousands of pounds on legal fees further on down the road.  

If you are both on speaking terms, it is always worth sitting down and discussing the selling process. You can also discuss how you will be splitting the finances once the sale has been completed.  

Depending on the housing market at the time, selling a house can be a time-consuming process so starting it before the divorce may help prevent any delays in the proceedings. Giving you both peace of mind that the divorce process can run smoothly.  

Finally, selling the house before the divorce may give you the chance to get a financial pay out to start your new life. This will give you the chance to do what you want or need to do. Whether that means, taking time off work to focus on yourself, investing in a new business or even putting a deposit down on a new home.  

What are the negatives to selling my home before a divorce? 

During divorce proceedings, emotions and tempers can run high and bad decisions are more likely to be made when feelings are this heightened. Going through a divorce can be mentally draining on both parties and this may lead you or your ex to make rash decisions which you may later regret. This could be about how you split the money or even selling the house in the first place.  

If the divorce is difficult and emotions are fresh or anything but civil then it may be worth waiting until the proceedings have started or even after the divorce to sell your house.  

Sometimes, lawyer communication is needed to help come to an agreement on splitting the assets and this isn’t something to be ashamed about. A lawyer will help each party be realistic and not make rash decisions so that they leave the room with no regrets. 

However, if an agreement is made during the divorce process regarding the sale of the house through lawyers this can reduce the stress for both sides. The sale agreement would be in writing and legal, so neither party is able to renege on this once the proceedings have been finalised. This also means, the house sale doesn’t need to complicate or prolong divorce proceedings and can occur after receiving your decree absolute.  

But remember, each divorce is different, and you may read this and realise you are in the right place to sell your home before your divorce. Alternatively, you may feel that leaving the house sale until after the divorce is more appropriate.  

Whichever solution you both decide on, we can assist you every step of the way. 

Why Jones Robinson? 

As established estate agents in Newbury, Lambourn, Devizes, Marlborough, Didcot and the surrounding areas we understand that selling a home and getting divorced are notoriously two of the most stressful events in one’s lifetime.  

That’s why we offer a fully supported, personalised service to ensure the sales process is as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

We appreciate that all house sales are different, and we will work closely with you both to establish a timeline and how you want this to happen. Every decision, from whether you will be at the viewings and how it will go ahead, will be in your control. 

You don’t need to wait in for the viewings as we can accompany any potential buyers if you aren’t there, and you will receive feedback within 48 hours with an outcome to each viewing. You can rest assured you will be updated regularly to save you time chasing us.  

Once an offer has been made on your property, we will pass these directly to both of you to decide whether to accept it. Of course, we will always strive to get you the price you want.  

To make it even easier we have created a complete breakdown of your sales process so you can see exactly what is involved each step of the way.  

We value your home, not only in the physical way, knowing its value but also in knowing how much it is worth to you; the memories, the milestones, all stored in the house. 

 Our purpose is to help you move on with your life and being an independent estate agent means we can give you impartial, honest advice, but also a bespoke sales package for your requirements.  

Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your home sale before, during or after your divorce. 

Alternatively, visit one of our branches to have a chat to us about what you need.