Family law attorneys are all too familiar with the various ways divorce can strain a couple’s finances. Occasionally a client will ask if it is possible to force their spouse to sell a high-value marital asset in divorce as a way to free up liquid cash. Other clients may be on the flip side of this issue, wondering if their spouse can really make them sell property they wish to keep.

Most often this issue involves the family home or a vacation home. One or both spouses may wish to keep a home because it is more affordable than the alternatives, or because they want their children to be able to continue living there. The issue, however, is not confined to real estate. Other divorcing spouses may be at odds over keeping or being made to sell a high priced art collection or other valuable items.