Chapter 25 - The house money closes
The house sale proceeds and divorce equalization finally closed.
Net sale after mortgage and costs:
$398,000.
Credits:
My traced premarital contribution.
Amanda’s traced contribution.
Then remaining marital equity divided under settlement.
Final distributions:
I received approximately $205,000.
Amanda approximately $193,000 after agreed neutral/safety-cost credits.
Retirement split by order.
Each kept own separate investment accounts.
No spousal support.
No hidden debt.
No “she lost everything.”
Amanda still had:
Retirement.
Sale proceeds.
Savings after legal fees.
Future earning capacity after sentence.
I still had:
Salary.
My share.
Children’s expenses.
Legal fees.
Neither wealthy enough to stop thinking about money.
Then I purchased a townhouse?
I waited.
Rental was fine.
Claire liked school route.
Tyler liked no pool.
No need convert settlement into instant property victory.
Then one financial decision:
Children’s insurance settlements were held in protected accounts.
I could not touch.
Good.
No money from their trauma paid my legal fees.
Then Amanda’s attorney asked whether I would agree to release one jointly owned vehicle to Amanda’s sister for sale.
Yes.
No symbolism.
Car sold.
Loan paid.
Remaining equity split.
Done.
Then Sarah closed my divorce file.
“Most of it.”
“What’s left?”
“Future parenting review if Amanda petitions.”
“That could be years.”
“Or months after release.”
I stared.
“No sequel speeches.”
She smiled.
May you like
“Then live your life.”
Good.
