Relocate to Wisconsin

   In the olden days, before we were married....there used to be three things that people would site as reasons for divorce...differences in religion, financial problems and infidelity.  The economy has dealt many couples and families some financial challenges...and those things, it seems either strengthen a relationship or lead to it being broken beyond repair. In Wisconsin, you no longer site a specific reason...there is no finger pointing about who cheated...who didn't communicate...who failed to "love and honor"....it's a no fault state.  The cause of divorce isn't blame...it takes two to make it and two to break it....so the cause is labeled "irreconcilable differences." It seems a more charitable label....and doesn't lay blame on either party. The economic fiber of the once family unit is also torn....and that  means that the house...whether it was the first one or the "dream house" may not be affordable for just one member of the couple.

   Because we have seen what some people might term more than a "market correction" in home prices...the "profit from the sale of the home" is now non-existent.  The prices have taken a slide and with the slide...the equity that may have been divided is no longer a part of the financial picture.  We have seen it over and over again....one member of the couple hires a friend...a friend of a friend...they KNOW they will be able to get $X for the home...and that will enable them to pay off the mortgage and give both members of the couple money to "start their lives over."   That  would continue the fairy tale of "happily ever after....and a new beginning" but the economy has dealt different cards and in many cases, what would have been equity and start over money...is not...It is a debt...it is one mortgage and a Home equity loan that neither member of the former or about to be former couple can shoulder alone financially.

     Both parties hang on....mortgage payments are sometimes missed...the debt increases...the income does not cover maintaining separate residences, child support...the expenses mount and the income(s) do not.  Sometimes, there is the dreaded day when the NOD is given (Notice of Default) which is sometimes a wake up call that something has to be done or thhe ravages of foreclosure will make the divorce more of a "happily NEVER after" than is necessary...both members risk the garmishment of wages, the trashing of credit...all of which may not have had to happen if they had listed their home as a short sale and not tried to hang on to a price for which the property, in a declining market would never appraise...no one could finance...and the foreclosure clock keeps ticking while hopes are dashed.

   If you are part of divorced or divorcing couple and find that mortgage payments cannot be made or have been missed...IF you are a family law/divorce attorney and have clients who are in this situation...if you are a neighbor, a relative or a friend of someone in this situation....don't let this happen to someone you care about...no one deserves a life sentence of credit problems and further economic disaster.  Call us, no matter where you are in the country...we will direct you to someone who can help you. Someone who has had successful short sale experience...not just any realtor. Someone who will tell you the truth about what the home is worth and guide you through the short sale process. Call us: 414-525-0563 or TOLL FREE 877-525-0563...a short sale can be the best thing you never paid for...find out how it may be a part of the solution to your new beginning for a "happily ever after" life.