Who gave you this advise? If it were your attorney, I’d ask him/her these questions. If it were someone tring to “help”, I’d think twice. What does the judge’s sympathy have to do with the division of property? NC is a no-fault state.
Without reviewing your finances it is hard for me to give you an opinion on this issue. Generally, all assets and debts are divided equally. If one spouse has a house that is paid for and the other has a considerable mortgage, the court may consider that factor when dividing the assets.
Helena M. Nevicosi
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm
4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500
Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
919.787.6668 main phone
919.787.6361 main fax
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Charlotte, NC 28262
Main Phone: (704)307.4600
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Chapel Hill, NC 27514
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I was told to pay off the remaining mortgage of the martial home with the thought being that a judge would be less sympathetic (with regards to my retirement) toward the dependent spouse (who still earns ~$40K) since that spouse would be given the home. I continue to earn ~7 as much as the spouse. I am hesitant to do that first because it would deplete a large sum of my on-hand cash and second, I assumed that as part of the division process, debt would be divided just as assets are. What do you suggest?