Divorce & life transitions
Real estate during divorce or separation
When a home is part of a separation, the real estate work needs to be steady, neutral and well documented. That is the whole job here: keep the transaction moving without adding to what is already a difficult period.
Melissa's paralegal background included family law work, which means the structure of these matters is familiar to her — the coordination, the documentation, the need for communication that is even-handed and in writing.
She acts as a REALTOR®. She does not provide legal advice and does not take sides.
What that looks like in practice
- Neutral, professional communication with both parties and their counsel
- Written updates so nobody is relying on a recollection of a phone call
- Documentation kept organized and available when it is requested
- Scheduling handled with discretion, including separate showings or communications where appropriate
- Clear, defensible pricing analysis rather than a number that favors one party
- Coordination with attorneys, accountants, lenders and the title company
Common situations
- The home is being sold and proceeds divided
- One party intends to remain and refinance
- A sale timeline is tied to a court or settlement schedule
- Neither party currently occupies the home
- One party lives out of state
What Melissa will not do
She will not advise you on legal strategy, interpret an agreement, or tell you what you are entitled to. Those are questions for your attorney. She also will not relay messages between parties in a way that substitutes for counsel.
What she will do is make the real estate portion predictable.
Common questions
- Can one agent represent both parties in a divorce sale?
- It depends on the circumstances and on what both parties and their counsel agree to. Melissa will discuss representation openly at the outset so expectations are clear before anything is signed.
- How is privacy handled?
- Communication and scheduling are handled discreetly, and marketing focuses on the property. Personal circumstances are never part of how a home is presented.
Melissa Smets is a licensed REALTOR® and is not an attorney. Nothing on this page is legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult an appropriate attorney, accountant or lender about your specific circumstances.
Next step
A calm, organized process
The real estate piece does not have to be the difficult part. Reach out whenever you're ready.