ACT Family Law - Can Ex Force Me to Sell House?

[Tracey67]

I am living in the matrimonial home with our 4 children. I want to buy the home but my ex wants more than I can afford. He says if I can't pay him what he wants, we have to sell. I want to keep the home because I don't want to disrupt the children. Can he force me to sell the house under family law?

 

[Sophea]

It's ultimately a situation you need to negotiate with your husband or resolve by way of application to the court. Why don't you both get an independent valuation of the house? Are you offering him under market value?

 

[sammy01]

No, he can't set the price. If it goes to court they will establish a value via an independent valuation company. You then would be given the option to buy him out if that is what he agrees or he could offer to buy you out, but him setting the value isn't going to happen.

 

[Tracey67]

No, he can't set the price. If it goes to court they will establish a value via an independent valuation company. You then would be given the option to buy him out if that is what he agrees or he could offer to buy you out, but him setting the value isn't going to happen.

Thanks for the reply. What I've offered him constitutes a 35/65 split in my favour. He thinks this is unfair and wants 50/50. The kids spend majority of time with me. It's all the bank will loan me. Do you know how the court may handle this ?

 

[sammy01]

Does he want more time with the kids? Look, asset division is impossible to provide an answer on through a website like this. There are so many variables.

Are you presently still living in the house? Who is paying the mortgage? Might be best to put it on the market. But even then, if it sells what then if you don't have an agreement about how the assets get divided?

I reckon you need mediation and good legal advice.

 

[Tracey67]

He says he wants the kids half the time but only once settlement has occurred.

 

[AllForHer]

What are your grounds for 35/65? Why shouldn't he get more?