Why the Marital Home Is Often the Biggest Question in Divorce
For many families, the marital home isn’t just a piece of property—it’s where memories were made, children were raised, and financial security was built. That’s why one of the most pressing concerns in divorce is: “Who gets the house?” At Doepke Law, we help clients in Covington, Oxford, and across Newton County navigate this high-stakes issue with clarity and strategy.Georgia’s Equitable Distribution Rule
Georgia is an equitable distribution state, which means marital property is divided fairly, but not always equally. The court looks at each spouse’s contributions to the marriage—both financial and non-financial—before making a decision.When the Home Is Considered Marital Property
If the house was purchased during the marriage, it is typically considered marital property, even if only one spouse’s name is on the deed. If the house was owned prior to marriage, the increase in its value during the marriage may still be subject to division.Options for Dividing the Home
- One spouse keeps the home and buys out the other’s share
- The home is sold and proceeds divided
- One spouse remains in the home temporarily for custody stability
