Do I Still Owe my Ex a Percentage of our Home if I Foreclosed after the Divorce and then Bought it Back on my Own?


Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.

“When I was married with my ex-husband we bought a house together, then later 7 years later we divorced and I was granted the house. It says in the decree that he was to get $11,500 plus 9% annum interest until I sold the house or I lost custody of the kids or they turned 18. Soon after the divorce I lost the house in a foreclosure with the bank, the house was taken from me and taken to the courthouse to sell. I was able to buy the house in full with my parent’s money at the auction’s asking price. Now I am selling the house and the house in under my name for the past 9 years and wants his part of the money that was stated in the decree. Does he have a case with this? The house hasn’t been his for the past 9 years it has been under my name and is owned by me.”

Question: You owe him $11,500 plus 9% interest per year when either the kids turn 18 or you lose custody of them. Had you simply sold the house at foreclosure sale, your ex- would have been able to exercise his lien against the property before you got any proceeds.