Timing decisions about the family home can shape long-term stability after divorce. Few divorce decisions carry as much emotional and financial weight as deciding what to do with the family home. For many people, the question isn’t simply whether  to sell—but when . Should the house be sold during divorce, or is it better to wait until later? There is no universal right answer. What matters is understanding how timing affects financial stability, emotional well-being, and lon

The family home often holds emotional meaning far beyond its financial value. When people think about dividing assets in divorce, they often assume the most difficult decisions will involve money—bank accounts, retirement funds, or support arrangements. In reality, the family home  is frequently the most emotionally charged and complex asset in the entire divorce process. This isn’t because the home is always the most valuable on paper. It’s because it carries meaning that e

Considering a home purchase during divorce? Learn what to consider before signing. Going through a divorce is already a complex process. If you're considering buying a new home before your divorce is finalized or before you are legally separated, you’re not alone. Many individuals feel the urge to start fresh, emotionally and physically, by establishing a new home. But this decision comes with significant financial, legal, and emotional implications. While this post is not in

Working with a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) ensures your home sale is handled with professionalism, neutrality, and care. Selling the marital home is one of the most emotionally and financially significant aspects of divorce. It's not just a transaction; it's a critical part of your future stability. If you're navigating divorce and one of your biggest assets is real estate, the professional you choose to guide you through the sale matters more than ever. That’

Discover how working with a multi-certified divorce professional—CDFA®, Mediator, Coach, and CDRE®—delivers unmatched clarity, strategy, and results.

Deciding whether one spouse can keep the home requires careful financial and legal review. The Emotional and Financial Weight of the Marital Home For many divorcing couples, the family home is more than just property—it's memories, stability, and security. As a Certified Divorce Coach, Mediator, and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®), I frequently work with clients facing the question: What should happen to the house?  It's one of the most significant decisions durin

Accurate home valuation and financial analysis are essential steps when navigating a divorce buyout. For many divorcing couples, the family home is more than just a property—it's a symbol of stability, comfort, and identity. But when the marriage ends, tough decisions must be made. One common scenario is a buyout, where one spouse wants to keep the home and compensate the other for their share of the equity. As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE), Certified Divorce

Lisa McNally, Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) and Licensed Broker in NH & ME, provides trusted real estate guidance during divorce proceedings. Why a CDRE Is Essential in High-Stakes Divorces Navigating real estate during divorce can be overwhelming, especially when emotions are high and financial stakes are even higher. That’s where I come in—as a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE), I provide the insight, neutrality, and expertise needed to ensure your p

Divorcing couples often feel overwhelmed by the financial impact on their credit—especially when real estate and shared debt are involved. Divorce doesn’t just split a marriage—it often splits financial stability. And one of the most overlooked casualties in the process is your credit score. If real estate is involved, the stakes are even higher. From shared mortgages to missed payments and lingering liabilities, your credit can take a serious hit if the process isn’t handled

Choosing a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) can protect your financial interests and reduce conflict during divorce. Navigating divorce is never easy, and when the marital home is involved, emotions and financial stakes can escalate quickly. One of the most important decisions you'll make during this process is selecting the right real estate agent. If you're divorcing, the wrong agent can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. The right one, however—particularly

When spouses can’t agree on selling the home during divorce, conflict can escalate—expert guidance helps you navigate forward with clarity and control. In a perfect world, divorcing couples would agree on everything—including what to do with the family home. But in reality, it's not uncommon for one spouse to want to sell the property while the other refuses. Emotions run high, financial fears surface, and the house becomes a battleground. This is especially true in high-net-

Reviewing mortgage options with a trusted professional helps divorcing couples make informed decisions that protect both their finances and their future. For many divorcing couples, the home—and more specifically, the mortgage—becomes one of the most complex and misunderstood elements of the property division process. While splitting equity may seem straightforward, the mortgage adds an entirely different layer of legal and financial responsibility that can have long-term con

Dividing real estate during divorce can feel like tearing a life in two—having the right guidance helps protect what matters most. Real estate is often the most valuable asset a couple owns—and dividing it during divorce can be complicated, emotional, and financially risky. Whether you own a luxury property in Portsmouth, a vacation home on the Maine coast, or multiple real estate assets, making the right decisions early is essential to protecting your future. As a Certified

Understanding how equity is calculated—and divided—is key to protecting your financial future during divorce. When you’re going through a divorce, the home you shared isn’t just four walls and a roof—it’s one of your biggest financial assets. And within that asset lies something many people don’t fully understand: equity . Equity plays a central role in property division during divorce, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood concepts. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I help

Selling a home during divorce without the right guidance can quickly turn into conflict and frustration for everyone involved. Selling your home is never easy—but selling it during a divorce can be emotionally draining, legally complex, and financially risky. As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE), I’ve worked with many divorcing couples throughout New Hampshire and Maine to help them navigate the sale of their home with clarity and confidence. When luxury real esta

Deciding when to sell your home during divorce is a strategic move—make sure you're signing at the right time with the right guidance. For many divorcing couples, the marital home is the most significant asset—and the most emotionally charged one. One of the most common questions I get as a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE) is: Should we sell the house before or after the divorce is final? The answer isn't always straightforward. The right decision depends on your f

Your home is one of the most important assets during a divorce—understanding your options can help you protect what matters most. Navigating the fate of your home during divorce is one of the most emotional and financially significant decisions you'll make. As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert (CDRE), I help divorcing couples in New Hampshire and Maine make confident, informed decisions about their real estate—especially their marital home. Whether you’re the titled owne

Real Estate Mistakes to Avoid in Divorce Dividing real estate during a divorce is one of the most complex—and emotionally charged—decisions you’ll face. The family home is not just a major financial asset; it also carries deep sentimental value. However, making a misstep with real estate during divorce can lead to long-term financial strain, legal complications, and unexpected tax consequences. At Optimal Divorce Solutions, I help clients avoid these costly mistakes and make

Choosing the right real estate agent for a divorce sale is key to ensuring a fair and smooth property division process. Key Takeaways Look for a real estate agent with experience in divorce sales who understands the unique challenges involved. A Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert brings specialized training and knowledge to help divorcing couples navigate property sales. Strong communication and mediation skills are essential for balancing the needs of both parties. Choose

Key Takeaways Home equity is a significant marital asset and must be carefully assessed during divorce proceedings. Options for dividing home equity include selling the home, one spouse buying out the other, or co-owning temporarily. Determining the home’s value through an appraisal or market analysis is a critical first step. Refinancing may be necessary if one spouse decides to keep the home. Consulting a divorce mediator or real estate expert can simplify the process and e