Skip the Stress. Get Expert Divorce Real Estate Help. Schedule a Consultation
Fair Division Starts with Accurate Equity Calculation
Home equity is often the most valuable asset in a divorce, and understanding how it's calculated and divided is essential for fair property division. Your equity equals your home's value minus any outstanding mortgage balance and liens. In Nevada, as a community property state, marital equity is typically divided equally (50/50), but the calculation can be complex.
Calculating home equity requires accurate home valuation and understanding all financial obligations. The basic formula is:
Home Equity = Home Value - Mortgage Balance - Liens - Other Debts
Example calculation:
Nevada is a community property state, meaning property acquired during marriage is generally considered community property and divided equally. However, if one spouse owned the home before marriage or contributed separate property, the division can be more complex.
Community property equity: Equity acquired during marriage is typically divided 50/50, regardless of who paid the mortgage or whose name is on the title.
Separate property considerations: If one spouse owned the home before marriage, they may retain that portion, but may owe the other spouse for community property contributions (payments, improvements, etc.).
Several factors can affect how equity is divided:
If the home was purchased during marriage with marital funds, equity is typically divided 50/50, regardless of whose name is on the title or who made mortgage payments.
If one spouse owned the home before marriage, they may retain the pre-marital equity, but community property contributions (mortgage payments, improvements) create community property interest that must be divided.
If one spouse used separate property (pre-marital funds or inheritance) for the down payment, they may be entitled to reimbursement of that amount before dividing remaining equity.
Dr. Jan Duffy provides detailed equity calculations that consider all relevant factors, ensuring both parties understand the numbers and can make informed decisions. Her calculations include:
Accurate equity calculations support all property division options:
If you owned the home before marriage, you typically retain the pre-marital equity. However, community property contributions (mortgage payments, improvements) create community property interest that must be divided. Dr. Jan Duffy helps calculate these complex scenarios accurately.
In Nevada, it doesn't matter who made mortgage payments during marriage—equity acquired during marriage is community property and divided equally. However, if payments came from separate property funds, that may affect the division.
Home improvements made with community property funds increase community property equity, which is divided equally. Improvements made with separate property funds may create separate property interest, depending on the circumstances.
Don't guess about your equity position. Get an accurate calculation from Dr. Jan Duffy that considers all factors and supports fair property division. Accurate equity calculations are the foundation of informed decision-making.
Use the home value calculator below to get started, or contact Dr. Jan Duffy for a comprehensive equity calculation that considers all factors affecting your property division.
Get Your Equity CalculationGet an instant home valuation to understand your equity position for divorce property division negotiations in Las Vegas.
Schedule a confidential consultation with Dr. Jan Duffy today.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation