Legal Question in Family Law in Minnesota

Re: Decree wording

First, the language in your decree does appear to be contradictory, since it states that the respondent (presumably your ex-wife) is responsible for the mortgage payments pending sale, and yet it also seems to state she is only responsible for half the payment after march 1, 2006. It is possible something is being taken out of context. I would certainly need to review the decree in its entirety in order to comment on the specific language.

Second, without examining the decree, I cannot understand why you would have agreed to the immediate sale of the home (which seems to be implied by this language, and yet made provisions for mortgage payments more than two years after the divorce. (I am presuming your divorce decree was entered in 2004.)

I would recommend bringing a motion in which you ask the court to give you the responsibility for listing and sale of the home. Further, depending on the circumstances, the court could conceivably remove your ex-wife from the home, if she is frustrating sale of the property and causing it to lose value.

I would obviously have to consider many more facts to offer you meaningful advice about this matter. When was the decree entered? Why do you assume you are responsible for paying half the mortgage, since the language you quote does not seem to order this? How much do you pay in maintenance? Has the condition of the home deteriorated? Is it listed for sale? Why hasn't it sold? Have you had any offers? Who is dealing with the realtor? These and other questions need to be answered, but in general, I would suggest you take responsibility for the sale, and obtain an order for that purpose if your ex-wife is truly thwarting the sale.

Call my office if you have further questions. 952.285.2944.