Buying or Selling a Home During Divorce? Here’s What You Need to Know in Colorado
Introduction
Divorce is hard. Whether it's a clean split or a complex legal battle, dealing with shared property adds stress to an already emotional time. One of the biggest questions couples face is: What happens to the house? If you're considering selling a home during divorce in Colorado, this guide walks you through what to expect and how to protect your best interests.
Understanding Property Division in Colorado
Colorado is an equitable distribution state. That means property isn’t split 50/50 automatically. Instead, it’s divided fairly based on:
How and when the home was acquired
Contributions from each spouse (financial and non-financial)
Each person's future financial situation
If the home was purchased during the marriage, it’s usually considered marital property. If one partner owned it before the marriage, only the increase in value may be subject to division.
Should You Sell or Stay?
Every situation is different. Ask yourselves:
Can either of you afford the home alone?
Would keeping it cause emotional strain?
Does one partner want to buy the other out?
Selling may offer a clean break, giving both parties a fresh start. If so, working with a neutral third-party real estate professional is crucial.
How to Sell a Home During Divorce in Colorado
Here’s a step-by-step approach:
1. Hire a Realtor Experienced in Divorce Sales
Someone like Monica Van Matre, who understands legal timelines, court involvement, and neutral communication.
2. Agree on Listing Details
Decide together on price, timing, and showing rules. Put everything in writing.
3. Prepare the Home for Sale
Declutter and depersonalize the space. Your Realtor can recommend staging if needed.
4. Communicate Clearly
Emotions may run high. Lean on your agent to coordinate with both parties fairly.
5. Split the Proceeds
Once sold, the proceeds are divided according to the court’s ruling or mutual agreement.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
One partner refusing to sign or cooperate
Letting emotions delay the sale
Not disclosing divorce status to your Realtor
A smooth sale requires transparency, patience, and the right representation.
Why Work with Monica Van Matre
Monica brings over 21 years of experience in helping clients navigate complex real estate situations, including divorce and probate. Her approach is:
Neutral and compassionate
Detail-oriented with legal timelines
Trusted by attorneys and mediators
From Boulder to Longmont, Lafayette to Erie, Monica supports clients across Colorado.
FAQs
Q: What if one spouse refuses to sell?
A: A judge can order the sale as part of the divorce settlement.
Q: Can we sell before the divorce is finalized?
A: Yes, but both parties must agree or get court approval.
Q: How are proceeds split?
A: Either by mutual agreement or a court order based on equitable distribution.
Ready to Talk?
Schedule your private consultation now at monicavanmatre.com/book-a-consultation. You can also visit us at 1234 Main Street, Lafayette, CO.
