When navigating a divorce, custody concerns are often at the forefront, but the future of the family home is also a key issue. While dividing assets and debts can seem straightforward, deciding what happens to your home can be much more complex. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we understand the challenges that come with property division in divorce and are here to help you navigate this intricate process with confidence.
This complexity partly stems from the emotional ties and memories connected to your home, which are absent in assets like bank accounts or life insurance policies. Your home may hold sentimental value, echoing with the laughter of children’s first steps or the echoes of a vow renewal. Despite the simplistic view that a house is merely a structure of walls and a roof, in the emotionally charged atmosphere of a divorce, it can symbolize much more.
Addressing the future of your family home at the end of your divorce is crucial. It can resolve numerous issues, preventing contentious negotiations and potentially avoiding a trial. The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC is here to guide you through understanding your family home’s role in a divorce and exploring potential outcomes post-divorce.
Understanding Community Property Law in Texas
In Texas, we presume that property acquired during marriage is community property, making it subject to equitable division in a divorce if a judge intervenes. If you purchased your home during your marriage, it’s probably part of your community estate and eligible for division.
However, the situation might vary if your spouse purchased the house before marriage, but both names are on the deed. Generally, the house remains separate property if your spouse owned it before marriage. You may have a reimbursement claim if your income contributed to mortgage payments, as income earned during marriage is generally considered community property.
Deciding the Family Home’s Fate: You, Your Spouse, or a Judge
Many Texas divorce cases settle outside court, which is advantageous, given your deeper understanding of your family’s needs compared to a judge. But if settlement isn’t possible, a judge will step in to make decisions based on state laws and your case’s specifics.
There are several likely outcomes in a trial. One is that either you or your spouse remains in the home post-divorce, managing the mortgage independently, often through refinancing. The departing spouse usually signs a special warranty deed, transferring full property ownership to the remaining spouse. This process safeguards the rights of both parties.
Another potential outcome is a court order to sell the home, splitting any equity based on the judge’s assessment of fairness. This situation arises when neither party can afford the mortgage alone. The sale’s terms must be meticulously outlined in the Final Decree of Divorce, a task requiring a family law attorney’s expertise.
Conclusion
When dealing with divorce, it’s essential to address not only custody concerns but also the future of your shared assets, especially the family home. By understanding the complexities of property division and working with experienced professionals, you can ensure a fair resolution that supports your future well-being. Whether it’s negotiating custody arrangements or determining the fate of your home, having the right legal guidance will help you make informed decisions and minimize stress during this challenging time.
Seek Guidance on Your Family Home from the Law Office of Bryan Fagan
For more information on your family home’s fate during a divorce, contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC. Regardless of your home’s size or the stage of your divorce, our licensed family law attorneys are ready to assist. We offer free consultations six days a week to help navigate your unique situation.
Ebook
If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “16 Steps to Help You Plan & Prepare for Your Texas Divorce”
If you want to know more about how to prepare, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “13 Dirty Tricks to Watch Out For in Your Texas Divorce, and How to Counter Them” Today!”
Other Articles you may be interested in:
- Should you leave your family home before starting a Texas divorce?
- Read this blog post before moving out of the family home in a Texas divorce
- Valuing the Family Home in a Texas Divorce
- Getting the Deed to Your House After a Texas Divorce
- What does Insupportability or No-Fault in a Texas Divorce Mean?
- An Explanation of the Grounds for Divorce in Texas
- Is Adultery a Crime in Texas?
- Can I sue my spouse’s mistress in Texas?
- When is, Cheating Considered Adultery in a Texas Divorce?
- 6 things You Need to Know Before You File for Divorce in Texas
- The Dirty Trick of Hiding Assets During Your Texas Divorce
- The Dirty Trick of Engaging in Spousal Starving During a Texas Divorce
- Know How Property and Debts are Divided, When Preparing for Your Texas Divorce
- How Much Will My Texas Divorce Cost?
Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC | Spring Divorce Lawyer
The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC routinely handles matters that affect children and families. If you have questions regarding divorce, it’s important to speak with a Spring, TX Divorce Lawyer right away to protect your rights.
A divorce lawyer in Spring TX is skilled at listening to your goals during this trying process and developing a strategy to meet those goals. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC by calling (281) 810-9760 or submit your contact information in our online form.
Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.
Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.
His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.
Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.