Selling Your House During Divorce in Arizona: Complete Guide

Selling Your House During an Arizona Divorce

Divorce is emotionally and financially challenging. The family home is often the largest shared asset, and deciding what to do with it is one of the biggest decisions you'll make.

Arizona is a Community Property State

In Arizona, assets acquired during marriage are considered community property and are typically split 50/50. This includes:

The family home

Equity built during the marriage

Mortgage debt

Note: If one spouse owned the home before marriage, the situation is more complex. Consult with a divorce attorney.

Your Options for the Marital Home

Option 1: Sell and Split the Proceeds

The most common and cleanest option:

Sell the home

Pay off the mortgage

Split remaining proceeds 50/50 (or as ordered by court)

Both spouses move on debt-free

Option 2: One Spouse Buys Out the Other

Home is appraised

One spouse refinances to remove the other from the mortgage

Buying spouse pays half the equity to the other

Risk: The spouse keeping the home must qualify for refinancing alone

Option 3: Continue Co-Ownership

Both stay on title temporarily

One spouse may live there (often custodial parent)

Sell later (when kids graduate, market improves, etc.)

Risk: You remain financially tied to your ex

Why Selling Fast is Often Best

Emotional Benefits

Clean break allows both parties to heal

Removes ongoing conflict over the property

No ongoing financial entanglement

Financial Benefits

Stops double housing costs (one in house, one renting)

Eliminates maintenance responsibilities

Provides cash for fresh starts

Practical Benefits

Court can finalize property division

Both parties can move forward

Removes potential for future disputes

How to Sell During Divorce

Both Spouses Agree to Sell

The easiest scenario. You can list with a realtor or sell to a cash buyer. Proceeds are split at closing.

Court-Ordered Sale

If you can't agree, the court may order the home sold. A cash sale can expedite this process.

One Spouse Uncooperative

If your ex won't cooperate, you may need a court order. Once granted, even a reluctant spouse must participate.

Why Divorcing Couples Choose Cash Buyers

Traditional listings during divorce are complicated:

Both spouses must agree on listing price, offers, repairs

Showings require coordination

Process drags out for months

Every decision is a potential conflict

Cash buyers solve these problems:

Fast closing - 7-14 days, not months

No repairs - Nothing to argue about

One showing - Our assessment, that's it

Certainty - No deals falling through

Clean split - Know exactly what each spouse receives

Tax Considerations

When you sell your primary residence, you may exclude:

$250,000 in capital gains (single filers)

$500,000 in capital gains (married filing jointly)

If you've lived in the home 2 of the last 5 years, you likely owe no capital gains tax.

Ready to Move On?

We help divorcing couples sell quickly and fairly. We'll make a cash offer, and you can split the proceeds however your agreement dictates.

One call, one offer, one closing. Move on with your life.