Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maine
Mortgage
If 2 people buy a house together and are not married. The relationship is over and one of the parties is moving out. Can that party force the remaining person to seel the house?
Asked on 1/18/09, 1:49 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Jerome Gamache
Ainsworth Thelin & Raftice, P.A.
Re: Mortgage
Yes- sale could be forced by Court action known as a "Partition". The Judge in such a case would try to explore if one party can buy the other out, or to see if the property could physically be divided, but it is usually the case that it must be sold.
However, like any litigation, it can be time consuming and cost thousands of dollars to pursue to conclusion. Settlement negotiated along the way is typically preferrable to both sides.
Answered on 1/20/09, 9:00 am