Primary Residence
One of the top questions we receive as advisors specializing in divorce financial services is, “What will happen to our home?” Understandably, the topic can stir up considerable emotions, especially for couples who have raised a family there and invested time and money into making it their own. They may love the community and have strong ties to friends, neighbors, and schools.
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) works with couples to evaluate their options and explain the ramifications of selling right away, buying out one spouse and keeping the home, or postponing a sale until the kids are older.
There is no “right” answer that makes sense for every couple. When it comes to financial planning for divorce, EP Wealth CDFAs provide personalized guidance and support based on your unique needs and goals.
Keeping the Primary Home in Divorce
If you own a home and are divorcing, you have several options, and each has its own pros and cons. Let’s assume that children are involved.
It’s common for parents with primary custody to want to stay in the primary home for the children’s sake. In this case, they would buy out their ex and keep the home. But they must have the savings and income to do so, and realistically be able to afford the house.
Beyond the mortgage, there are utilities, home repairs, and taxes to consider. Can the spouse who wants to stay cover these costs on their income, spousal support, and funds from the divorce settlement? Even if it’s possible, it’s not always best to keep a home if it requires most of one’s income to maintain.
The goal of a fair divorce settlement is to create two financially stable households from one. A CDFA steps back and looks at the big picture to help couples avoid emotional decisions that can impact their bottom line now and in the years ahead.
Co-Owning the Home After Divorce
Couples can agree to share ownership of the principal residence after they divorce. In this scenario, both spouses agree on how to split mortgage payments and create a plan for the proceeds when the home eventually sells.
This works for amicable divorces, particularly in cases where parents agree that children should remain in the home that’s familiar to them. However, this option maintains the financial tie between divorced spouses. One ex’s late payment can negatively impact the other’s credit, for example.
Is Selling the Answer?
Couples can also sell the primary home when they divorce. Maybe they want a fresh start or feel keeping it is too much of a financial burden. It may make sense to leverage the home’s equity, sell the property, and divide the proceeds. Like other large assets, real estate is generally divided equitably based on many variables, including both spouse’s income, assets, liabilities, and lifestyle.
With that said, couples do not have to sell right away. Let’s say they have children in high school. They might agree to sell the primary home after they graduate. If so, they’ll need to determine who will reside in the home and pay the taxes, repairs, and other details as part of their divorce agreement.
Capital Gains Taxes
Divorcing couples should also understand the implications of capital gains taxes, which are paid on the profit of a sale. The timing of the sale should be considered when it comes to calculating capital gains tax.
Selling a primary home after the divorce agreement, but before the divorce is final can be beneficial in this regard. That is because married couples pay this tax on sales where profits exceed $500,000, but single individuals only pay on profits of $250,000. So, selling while legally married can potentially result in substantial tax savings.
Taxes are just one of many factors to consider when it comes to the family home and divorce. Locate an EP Wealth advisor near you to discuss your own divorce financial planning needs.
DISCLOSURES
EP Wealth Advisors, LLC (“EP Wealth”) makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information presented in this report. EP Wealth has used its best efforts to verify the data included in this report. The information presented was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable. However, EP Wealth cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information offered. All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice.
The content of this report is believed to be accurate as of the date of publication and cannot and does not accurately forecast future economic, market, or financial conditions; including changes to retirement benefits, social security, and/or Medicare. For this reason, any subsequent changes, and/or that occur after the publication of this presentation may cause the analysis encompassed herein to become inaccurate. Any references to future market or economic forecasts are based on hypothetical assumptions that may never come to pass.
Information presented is general in nature and should not be viewed as a comprehensive analysis of the topics discussed. It is intended to serve as a tool containing general information that should assist you in the development of subsequent discussions. Content does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice nor is it intended to supplement professional individualized advice. All questions about and/or explanations regarding the content of this presentation should be directed to EP Wealth. Please consult a professional Financial Advisor before applying any of the approaches or strategies made referenced directly or indirectly in this report.
The Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (“CDFA®”) that are employed by EP Wealth Advisors, LLC are not practicing attorney, accountant, tax professional, or legal expert. All assessments and subsequent recommendations limited and are performed exclusively under the guise of financial planning. An attorney must be retained in order to professional and accurately assess legal options and/or to provide counsel. We also recommend consulting a CPA, accountant, or tax professional.
Hiring or working with a CDFA® does not guarantee or ensure that a client or prospective client will experience encouraging or favorable results.
The decision to work with a CDFA® professional will differ amongst clients and depend on individual circumstances of each respective client. There is no guarantee or warrantee that the services offered by EP Wealth Advisors, LLC and/or a CDFA® will satisfy your divorce service needs. Services offered by other professionals may align more to your specific needs. • Hiring a qualified advisor, financial planner and/or diversifying your portfolio do not guarantee investment success, and does not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. No guaranty or warranty is made that any results, projections, or other information being represented in this presentation will be met or sustained.
Please consult with a CPA, tax professional, and/or attorney regarding your specific situation before implementing any of the strategies referenced directly or indirectly herein.
All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Changes in investment strategies, contributions or withdrawals, and economic conditions, may materially alter the performance of your portfolio. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for a client’s portfolio.
Information presented is very limited in nature and for illustrative purposes only. The analysis included is limited to listing of a select few account types, considerations and retirement planning concerns. The topics represented here are limited to and associated with the services offered by EP Wealth Advisors. This is not an exhaustive or comprehensive detailing of the retirement planning options available. Other more appropriate options with varying selections and unique benefits may be available that are better suited for your individual needs and circumstances. There is no guarantee that anything referenced herein will be appropriate or suitable.
The free financial health assessment referenced here is limited to, and can only be provided to, individuals with $500,000 or more in investable assets. The health assessment is limited to an initial call or meeting with an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) of EP Wealth to discuss and assess your current financial situation and a subsequent follow-up meeting or call to share our thoughts. No additional services will be provided. EP Wealth Advisors’ obligation is limited to extending an offer to provide these services. It is the responsibility of the individual requesting the free health assessment to accept the service offered. No guarantee or warranty can be made that any of the information discussed or relayed in these meetings will be suitable or relevant. The free financial health assessment is limited in nature and is not intended to be regarded as an attempt to provide comprehensive financial advice.
EP Wealth Advisors, LLC is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Registration with the SEC does not constitute an endorsement by the SEC, nor does it imply that EP Wealth has attained a certain level of skill or ability.
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