Utah Real Estate Legal Questions

You do not diclose how the divorce decree was created; by stipulation of the parties, or by trial. If it was by stipulation, then you agreed to this term of the decree and the associated distribution of property. If it was at trial, then there was a judicial determination, based on evidence presented. You are in a difficult position, as your ex-husband can attempt to force your compliance with the decree. And, in any action to change the terms of the decree, or which affect the property division contained in the decree, could require a review of the property distribution under the decree. You should communicate with a family law attorney with experience in divorce modifications, or potentially appeals.... Read Answer

You should confer with a good real estate lawyer in your area to learn what protections you might have under the laws of your state.  It may be that if you inform the seller that you simply need more time, and offer to pay the ordinary rental amount for such time as is required to find alternate accommodations, he would be willing to work with the buyer to give you some slack.  If that doesn't work, I think your state's laws will require that the owner/seller give you some kind of notice to vacate before filing an action to evict.  That alone may provide enough time to find another place.  If not, then the owner/seller will have to file an action in court to get a court order for you to move.  The court will have to get the matter on the calendar and that will take time.  You may be able to move before it comes to a trial -- and the matter would then be moot.  If things move rapidly (which they probably will not), and the matter comes to a hearing and there is a judge's order for you to move, it will take still more time for the Sheriff to move you out --- but above all, you don't want to wait that long.   I don't mean to treat a court hearing lightly either.  You should attend any court hearing that is set.  My guess is that a court will not impose costs (beyond reasonable rental) on you for holding over if you communicate to the court the same story you told me above.  I will end where I started.  Confer with a good real estate lawyer.  To learn the specifics of your state's laws on this subject will well justify a modest conference fee.  ... Read Answer