Spousal Assignment of Foreclosed Marital Home Based on Beneficiary Interest

In divorce proceedings, the court upheld the lower court's decision to assign the jointly-owned family home, which faced foreclosure due to unpaid mortgage interest, to one spouse. The court reasoned that under the relevant statute, the primary criterion for allocating the residence is which spouse benefits more, irrespective of ownership or immediate financial ability, though financial realities supporting a sale are relevant. Despite the opposing spouse having custody of the children, the court found her interest in retaining the house was diminished because she had failed to seek alternative accommodation after being advised to do so over two years prior, whereas the spouse receiving the assignment had a greater interest as it would strengthen his position to facilitate a necessary sale, especially given the advanced foreclosure proceedings and the other spouse's inability to prevent the impending sale.