I don't often recommend renting, but in such times of transition, detaching from assets can prove beneficial.

Thanks you Jody Bruns, CDLP, CMMU for very informative post about working with divorcing couples.  Bookmarked.

Jody, you bring up some great points but many of us live in community property states which brings up another level in the divorce situation.  Best idea as you mention, get some knowledge.  

I once had a call from a gentleman who wanted me to come and take a look at his property. When I got there, he asked if I could hurry up and sell it for him before his wife got home. She was out of state visiting her sister... 

I explained about community property and the fact that if both their names were on the deed, she would also have to sign in order to sell it. He was VERY disappointed. 

Jody Bruns, CDLP, CMMU Good post and all another reason why when we take a listing we have two actions we undertake:

1. We check the tax records and property appraisers records, and
2. We have one of our trusted partner-attorneys double-check.

Sellers are 'Tellers'!

Good advice....I have found that one tends to be dominant in decisions sometimes and you need to make sure to communicate with both parties equally.

Thanks for sharing this advice Jody, clearly a situation that none of us want to be in the middle of.

Congratulations on the Feature!    Thank you Jody Bruns, CDLP, CMMU for this informative post.    I was aware of #1 but not #2.    Also, I'd not considered the potential rewards of helping people during a difficult & emotional time in their lives.

Great points all.  Here in Arizona, a title officer immediately asks if they are married, etc so to figure out how to take title and who must sign a Disclaimer Deed so that the other spouse does not own a share of that property.  The downpayment may be community funds, but that is for the attorneys to wrangle over.  I always ask and have never had to be in the middle as the other spouse has to agree that they take no title to the property purchased by the other spouse.  And #2, I always require both spouses to sign listing documents as I check the tax records to see who owns the property.

I have 2 couples going through a divorce right now and watching their documents like a hawk!

Excellent information to consider when helping clients.