Can You Delay Selling a Home During Divorce for the Sake of the Kids in Washington?

This is one of the most common — and heartfelt — questions parents ask during divorce.

The house represents routine.
The neighborhood represents friendships.
The school zone represents stability.

It’s completely natural to wonder whether selling the home can wait so kids don’t have to absorb another major change all at once.

If you’re asking this question, you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re being a parent.

Let’s walk through how this is typically approached in Washington — calmly, realistically, and without legal jargon.

Important Note

Real estate situations involving divorce, bankruptcy, probate, or other legal matters can vary widely based on timing, documentation, and individual circumstances.

The information shared here is for general educational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Every situation is different, and outcomes often depend on coordination with your attorney, the court, escrow, or other professionals involved.

If your home is currently listed or you’re under contract, your own agent should always be your first point of contact for guidance specific to your transaction.

1. Yes — Some Families Do Delay Selling

In Washington, some families do delay selling the marital home when children are involved.

This is often considered when:

• Children are mid–school year

• A major life transition has just occurred

• Parents want to limit disruption

Delaying a sale doesn’t mean ignoring reality — it means sequencing change more thoughtfully.

2. Delaying a Sale Is About Stability, Not Avoidance

When families choose to wait, it’s usually not because they’re avoiding decisions.

It’s because they’re prioritizing:

• Emotional regulation for kids

• Predictable routines

• Fewer simultaneous changes

That’s a valid goal.

But it’s important to understand that delaying a sale usually comes with conditions and planning, not an open-ended pause.

3. What Typically Needs to Be Clear to Delay a Sale

While every situation is different, delaying a sale often requires clarity around:

• Who is living in the home

• How expenses are handled

• How long the delay is expected to last

Unclear expectations tend to create stress — even when intentions are good.

This broader guide helps frame what selling during divorce usually looks like:
Selling a Home During Divorce in Washington: What to Expect
 

4. Living in the Home During the Delay

In many cases, one parent remains in the home with the children during a delay.

That can work — but it requires realistic conversations about:

• Maintenance and upkeep

• Financial responsibility

• What happens when the delay ends

If one parent is still living in the home, this article may help:
How to Sell a Home During Divorce When One Spouse Is Still Living There

5. Delays Are Often Time-Limited

One important expectation to set:

Most delays are temporary, not permanent.

Common examples include:

• Waiting until the end of a school year

• Allowing time for routines to stabilize

• Planning a sale for a specific future window

Having an agreed-upon timeframe helps prevent resentment or confusion later.

6. When Delaying Isn’t Possible

Sometimes, delaying a sale simply isn’t feasible.

That may happen when:

• Finances can’t support maintaining the home

• One party needs access to equity

• Agreement can’t be reached

When delays aren’t possible, structure often replaces flexibility.

This is where court direction may come into play:
Court-Ordered Home Sales in Washington: What Sellers Should Know
 

7. The Emotional Reality for Parents

Even when delaying a sale is possible, parents often feel torn.

You may feel:

• Protective of your children

• Guilty about change

• Stressed about the unknown

Those feelings don’t mean you’re making the wrong choice.

They mean you’re navigating competing priorities — and that’s hard.

And just to say it clearly:

You’re not the only parent wrestling with this, and you’re not doing anything wrong by asking.

8. Planning the Next Housing Chapter

Delaying a sale doesn’t mean postponing planning.

Many families use the delay to:

• Explore future housing options

• Consider renting vs buying

• Plan around school zones and schedules

This comparison may help frame next steps:
Renting vs Buying During Divorce in Washington: How to Decide What Makes Sense Right Now
 

9. How I Help Families Think This Through

I can’t advise on custody or legal agreements.

What I can do is:

• Help you understand housing options and timelines

• Talk through what delaying a sale realistically looks like

• Help you plan for the eventual transition

• Keep the focus on stability — not pressure

Sometimes clarity alone makes the decision feel less heavy.

10. Final Thoughts

Delaying the sale of a home during divorce for the sake of the kids can be possible in Washington — but it works best when it’s intentional, time-limited, and thoughtfully planned.

There’s no perfect answer — only the one that best supports your children and your future.

And taking the time to ask this question is already a sign you’re approaching it with care.

Ready for the Next Step?

If you’re navigating divorce in Washington and trying to decide whether delaying a home sale makes sense for your family, I’m happy to talk it through with you — calmly, privately, and without pressure.

Whenever you’re ready, we can figure out what makes the most sense for this season of life.

Written by: Lani Fisher — Washington Realtor Helping Everyday Buyers & Sellers With Confidence