The House: Yesterday's Asset is Today's Liability

In a divorce, when Spouse A leaves the marital homestead in the hands of Spouse B, typically Spouse B must buy out the marital interest of Spouse A.  At least, that is how things used to be, before the current era of the depressed housing market.  Today, it is not unusual for Spouse A to leave the house behind,and not to be bought out by Spouse B at all.  The departing spouse is likely to be only too happy to leave the mortgage payment behind as well, and to get out from underneath the burden of a big house payment and shrinking home equity.  

If a family is struggling in this economy to stay current on a hefty house payment, that concern grows exponentially in the midst of a divorce.  It has always been difficult to support the two individual households of a separated couple on the same income as before the separation.  Add to that the fact that home values that are not appreciating, and it is nearly impossible for a family to stay afloat financially.  

Selling the house tends to be an even drearier prospect.  One is likely to lose money on the sale, with so many families encumbered by a second mortgage or home equity line of credit.  Renting typically costs the same, or more, than a house payment.  Most importantly, it is a very bad time to market a residential property without the home being "priced to sell."  Most financial planners will suggest that someone stay put where they are, and ride out the bad housing market (which could take years).  

If a divorcing couple sees fit to sell the marital homestead in this unfriendly market, it is likely an effort to tap into the opportunity to purchase a downsized residence.  The upside of a bad market for selling, after all, is a good market for buying.

For now, and for the next few years, breaking even on one's home equity is the best that most divorcing couples can hope for.   These sobering realities, and realistic expectations, will carry the day until the housing market recovers.