Originally Posted By: Dave Vedder
Yep, good. Either you will have one or she will. Without one you will soon see what a good one can do. The ONLY good advise you will get on a fishing BB is to get a good attorney. It will be a bargain in the long run.


Dave is spot on with that advice. Here is how these things tend to go: She has left the home BUT she has girlfriends/co-workers and they talk ALOT. Girlfriends start telling her what she is entitled to and what they got in their divorces. Wheels start turning and the next thing you know she isn't so easy to work with.

Even if you cannot afford an attorney, most will at least do an inital counciltation for a nominal fee and explain the process to you. You need to establish a value for the home and subtract the amount owed from that figure. There is your equity in the home. Do not sink another dime into it in upgrades until this is settled as you will most likely be throwing money away. Also if she has a 401k then you are entitled to half of it and that can be used as a bargaining chip too.

Good luck to you.