Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

The problem is, there is no "snap" answer to this question. I would need much more information about the house and your overall situation to offer you advice that would be meaningful to you. What are your goals? Would the closing costs come directly out-of-pocket, or from the proceeds of the sale? What is supposed to happen to the sale proceeds, if any? Is there a chance that the house will sell for less than you owe, and if so, who will take responsibility for the deficiency? Is there other property in the picture, or debt that could be paid with the first of the proceeds before they are distributed between you? Have you agreed about who will be responsible for the mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs and utilities pending the sale?

That said, it is worth considering the consequences of not cooperating. You are under no obligation to agree to list the house for sale unless ordered by a court to do so, of course, but your credit standing and future financial welfare may be on the line here, as is the equity value of the house (if any). Sometimes, the best thing you can do with a bad situation is to minimize the damage now, and prepare to point fingers later if doing so is likely to get you anywhere worth going.

Attorney Michael B. Greenstein

Pittsburgh, PA

www.spousealouse.com