If the home is jointly titled or leased, you cannot “force” your spouse to leave the home (e.g. by changing the locks and precluding access). Each spouse has an equal right to stay and live in a jointly owned or leased home.

Under circumstances of domestic violence, the Court can order one spouse to vacate the home for a period of time in order to protect the safety of the other spouse and/or child of the parties.

When a Court decides residential custody of a minor child, the Court can also award use and possession of the family home to the custodial parent. The other spouse is then required to vacate the home during the use and possession period.

At the time of divorce, the Court can either order the sale of the home, transfer the home to one spouse (as of October 1, 2006), or award the custodial parent use and possession of the home for up to 3 years. Upon termination of a use and possession order, the home will be sold or transferred.