What Can Go Wrong When You Let a Spouse Keep the House in Divorce” Real stories from the front lines — and how to protect your clients from financial disaster.

by Troy Moultrie

What Can Go Wrong When You Let a Spouse Keep the House in Divorce” Real stories from the front lines — and how to protect your clients from financial disaster.

 

Dividing the house during a divorce is rarely simple. Whether one spouse refuses to sell, skips court-ordered mortgage payments, or uses the home as emotional leverage — the wrong decision can destroy credit, delay healing, and cost both parties thousands of dollars.

As a Certified Divorce Real Estate Specialist with a 100% close rate over the past 5 years, I’ve seen it all. Here are three real-life stories that show what can go wrong — and why working with a neutral, court-aware agent makes all the difference.

 


 

Sabotage in Plain Sight

 

  • The Story: A contested property with termite damage and poor condition. One spouse repeatedly undid repairs and tried to block showings.

  • Our Response: We documented the behavior, coordinated with legal counsel, and issued a court-backed notice.

  • The Outcome: We sold the home in 30 days — despite sabotage.

  • Lesson: You need an experienced, court-aligned agent who can handle hostile situations without derailing the sale.

 


 

When the Spouse Stops Paying

 

  • The Story: The court allowed the husband to remain in the home and ordered him to pay the mortgage. He didn’t.

  • The Result: Both parties’ credit was damaged. The attorney was frustrated. The wife felt trapped.

  • Lesson: Divorce decrees don’t remove names from mortgage obligations. Selling the home early can prevent long-term financial damage.

 


 

The Bankruptcy Trap

 

  • The Story: A husband took on all the marital debt in exchange for letting his wife keep the house. Months later, he filed for bankruptcy.

  • The Outcome: She lost the home anyway, because the mortgage was still in both names. Her credit was destroyed.

  • Lesson: Unless the mortgage is refinanced or the home is sold, liability doesn’t go away — no matter what the divorce decree says.

 


 

Why Neutral Divorce Real Estate Specialists Matter

 

This isn’t just about listing a house. It’s about navigating court timelines, emotional landmines, and complex financial risks.

  • Certified Divorce Real Estate Specialist (RCS-D™)

  • 100% success rate — even in high-conflict situations

  • Coordination with attorneys and court-approved communication

  • Protection for both parties, not just “who’s on title”

 


 

Conclusion:

Don’t let the house become a weapon in your divorce. Work with someone who understands the legal, financial, and emotional risks — and is trained to protect everyone involved.

Call or Text Troy Moultrie at 435-264-1444

Or visit TreasuredProperties.com/divorce to learn more or request a free case consult

agent
Troy Moultrie

ASSOCIATE BROKER | UTAH LUXURY REALTOR | License ID: 11195148-AB00

+1(435) 327-5545 | troy@utahluxteam.com

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