How Long Do You Have to Sell Your House
After Divorce in Indiana?
Understand Your Rights, Timeline, and Options for Selling a Home After Divorce in Indiana
Divorce is difficult enough — figuring out what to do with your house afterwards shouldn’t make things harder. If you’re recently divorced (or in the process), and the home you once shared is still in both your names, it’s natural to wonder:
How much time do we have to sell? What happens if we don’t? Who decides?
The short answer?
There’s no automatic deadline under Indiana law — the timeline depends on your divorce agreement or a court order.
But whether you’re facing a six-month clause, no clear timeline at all, or disagreements with your ex, there are practical steps you can take now to protect your interests and move forward.
You’re Not Alone in This
Selling a home after a divorce is one of the most emotionally and financially complex parts of the entire process. You’re not just dealing with property — you’re dealing with memories, legal obligations, and sometimes, difficult communication with an ex-partner.
If you’ve found yourself Googling questions like:
“Do I have to sell the house right away?”
“What if my ex doesn’t want to sell?”
“Can I keep the home if I buy them out?”
“What happens if we miss the deadline?”
You’re in the right place
Many people in Indiana go through this exact situation. It’s confusing, frustrating, and often filled with unanswered questions — but there is a path forward. Whether your divorce agreement is clear or vague, whether you want to sell or hold on to the home, you have options — and you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
What Indiana Law Says About Selling the House After Divorce
In Indiana, there’s no automatic deadline for selling your house after divorce. Instead, the timeline is usually set in your divorce decree or court order. This is the legal agreement that outlines how your marital property — including the home — should be divided.
Here’s what that typically means:
If your divorce agreement includes a deadline (e.g. “The home must be sold within 6 months”), you’re legally bound to meet that timeline unless you go back to court to request a change.
If no timeline is specified, the home may remain jointly owned until one party takes action — to sell, refinance, or return to court to resolve it.
Indiana follows equitable distribution, not automatic 50/50 splits. This means the court aims for a fair division, which might involve one party buying out the other, or the house being sold and profits divided.
What happens if you don’t sell in time?
If your divorce agreement included a sale deadline and you miss it:
The other party may return to court to enforce the order.
You could risk contempt of court or other legal consequences, especially if one party is blocking the process.
The key is to understand what your specific agreement says — and what options are available if things aren’t going as planned.
What If This Is Your Situation?
Every divorce is different, and so is every home sale that follows. Whether you're ready to move on or stuck in limbo, here are some of the most common situations people face — and what you can do next.
“The court gave us six months to sell — we’re running out of time.”
If your divorce decree includes a sale deadline, it’s important to act. You may be able to request an extension through the court, but it’s safer to show good faith by actively listing, preparing, or negotiating the sale now.
Next step:
Connect with a real estate professional or legal advisor to ensure you're in compliance and avoid enforcement action.
If you’re short on time and need a quicker option, selling directly to a cash buyer, like us, can help you meet your deadline without all the usual delays.
“We agreed to sell the house, but nothing’s happening.”
When both parties agree but no one takes initiative, the property remains in limbo. This can cause delays, missed opportunities, and potential legal risk if your agreement included a timeline.
Next step:
Check the decree. If no one has listed the home yet, now’s the time to start the process — ideally with neutral, experienced support.
“I want to keep the house, but my ex wants to sell.”
You may be able to buy out your ex’s share, but this typically requires refinancing in your name only. If there’s disagreement and no buyout is agreed, the court may ultimately order a sale.
Next step:
Consult a mortgage lender to assess your ability to refinance, and speak with a family law professional if tensions are rising.
“My ex is refusing to cooperate with the sale.”
If one party is blocking the sale in violation of the agreement, the other may return to court to enforce the order. This is especially common when someone delays signing documents, refuses access to the home, or won’t respond.
Next step:
Document the situation and seek legal advice. Courts can compel cooperation when necessary.
What You Can Do Now
Check Your Divorce Decree
Your first step should always be to review your court order or divorce settlement. Look for:
Deadlines or conditions for selling the house
Buyout clauses
Instructions about proceeds or division
If you’re unsure how to interpret it, a family law professional can help translate the legal language.
Consider a Buyout or Refinance
If you want to keep the house, you may be able to refinance the mortgage in your name and pay your ex their share of the equity. This removes them from ownership and debt responsibility.
Tip: Speak with a mortgage lender to see if refinancing is realistic based on your income, credit, and the home’s value.
Move Forward with Selling
If the agreement requires a sale — or both parties are open to it — now’s the time to take action. Selling sooner rather than later often helps avoid legal complications and financial strain.
Helpful support includes:
A neutral real estate agent with experience in post-divorce sales
A mediator or solicitor, if communication is strained
- A cash home buyer, for a quick, easy sale
Request a Modification (If Needed)
If the original timeline no longer makes sense — due to market conditions, personal changes, or new financial realities — you may be able to return to court to ask for a change in terms.
This is more common than people realize, especially if the order was made during a very different stage of life.
Get Expert Help Sooner Rather Than Later
Navigating this process alone can be frustrating, slow, and risky. A professional can help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and get things moving — before problems escalate.
Talk to Someone Who Understands
You don’t have to navigate this on your own.
Whether your divorce decree is clear or confusing, whether you’re ready to sell or still weighing your options, getting the right advice now can save you stress, time, and money later.
Need help understanding your next move?
We offer personalised guidance for Indiana residents dealing with post-divorce home sales. We’ll help you:
Review your divorce agreement
Understand your legal obligations
Explore your options (sale, buyout, delay)
Move forward with clarity and confidence
Let’s take the weight off your shoulders
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Call us on (317)747-2175 OR
Just fill out the form below to get your offer started.
Why Indiana Families Trust Us
When it comes to something as personal — and high-stakes — as selling your home after divorce, you need support you can trust. We’re here to provide clear, compassionate guidance that’s grounded in real experience with Indiana law and local property matters.
What sets us apart:
Local Expertise: We understand Indiana’s divorce and property laws inside and out. No vague national advice — just what matters for your situation.
Divorce-Sensitive Approach: We specialise in helping individuals and couples through emotionally charged transitions. You’ll never be rushed, judged, or pressured.
Real Results: We’ve helped dozens of Indiana families navigate the post-divorce property process — from clean sales to complex negotiations.
“I had no idea what to do with the house after my divorce. They walked me through every step, helped me understand my rights, and got the sale done quickly — without more conflict.”
— Amy R., Indianapolis
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Selling a house after divorce isn’t just a transaction — it’s the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. It’s okay to feel uncertain. It’s okay to not have all the answers right now.
What matters is that you’ve taken the first step by asking the right questions — and now, you’re closer to clarity.
Whether you’re still living in the home, trying to figure out the timeline, or facing resistance from your ex, support is available. And the sooner you get the right advice, the sooner you can move forward — with less stress and more peace of mind.
You’ve already been through enough. Let’s make this next step a little easier.
Need More Help With Divorce and Property Decisions in Indiana?
Every divorce is different, and so are the challenges that come with selling or keeping the home. If you’re looking for more clarity, these guides might help:
Can a Judge Force You to Sell Your House in a Divorce in Indiana?
Understand when the court can step in and what it means if you or your ex won’t agree to sell.
Is a Divorce House Buyout a Taxable Event?
Learn how buyouts work and what you need to know about taxes, equity, and timing.
How to report the sale of a home after divorce in Indiana
Learn what tax forms you might need, who reports the sale, and what to expect when filing
These articles break things down in plain English, so you can move forward with confidence, whether you’re selling, buying out, or still deciding.
