Navigating Divorce Leads Conversations Like a Pro

When you're talking to a seller going through a divorce, you’re not just negotiating a transaction, you’re stepping into a storm of emotion, logistics, legal pressure, and often, deep distrust.

Blogs

May 19, 2025

Some deals are about the numbers. Divorce leads? 

They’re about everything but the numbers.

When you're talking to a seller going through a divorce, you’re not just negotiating a transaction, you’re stepping into a storm of emotion, logistics, legal pressure, and often, deep distrust.

And if you don’t know how to handle it?

You’ll lose the lead, or worse, make things messier for everyone involved.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • The emotional dynamics behind divorce sales

  • How to approach each party with respect and neutrality

  • What to say (and what not to say)

  • How to structure the deal so both parties feel protected

  • Why your tone and timing matter more than your offer

Because in these deals, the most professional closer wins.

Why Divorce Leads Require a Different Approach

Divorce sellers are in a unique situation. They’re usually:

  • Distracted or emotionally drained

  • Dealing with attorneys or pending court dates

  • Living separately and disagreeing on logistics

  • Suspicious of anyone who seems to take sides

  • Under pressure to sell fast, but only on their terms

That means if you come in with the wrong tone, wrong timing, or wrong assumptions, you’re done.

The Real Motivations Behind Divorce Sales

It’s rarely about the house. It’s about what the house represents.

Common motivations:

  • Wanting to close a chapter and move on

  • Needing cash to finalize the divorce

  • Being court-ordered to sell

  • Avoiding the cost and conflict of ongoing co-ownership

  • One party wanting to buy the other out

Each motivation creates different urgency, and different friction.

Your job is to uncover the real reason they’re talking to you. Not just "we’re thinking of selling," but:

“What’s going on behind the scenes that makes selling feel like the only, or best, option?”

5 Rules for Handling Divorce Seller Conversations

These rules are simple, but crucial.

1. Stay neutral, always

Don’t take sides. Even if one person is more responsive or “nicer,” remain professional with both.

Say:

“I’m here to help both parties explore a fair, clear path forward, no pressure either way.”

Avoid:

“Yeah, your ex sounds like a nightmare.”

That comment will always come back to bite you.

2. Assume trust is broken

Divorcing sellers often don’t trust each other, and that means they’re wary of you, too.

Expect separate conversations, different stories, and conflicting goals.

Don’t try to reconcile the relationship. Your job is to create clarity and keep the focus on the transaction.

3. Document everything

Put everything in writing. Confirm details by email. Clarify what each person said, agreed to, or asked for.

This protects you, and keeps both sellers aligned.

Use Goliath’s CRM to log every interaction, tag divorce leads separately, and set reminders so nothing falls through the cracks.

4. Slow down the pitch, speed up the clarity

This is not the time to hard close.

Instead:

  • Ask more questions than usual

  • Use calming, clear language

  • Focus on explaining the process and timeline

  • Offer to speak with their attorneys if needed

Say:

“I can send over a breakdown of how this would work, and you both can take a look before deciding if it’s a good fit.”

5. Structure the deal with sensitivity

Here are some things to consider:

Factor

What to Do

Ownership split

Confirm names on title and mortgage, these may differ

Communication

Ask if they want joint calls or separate updates

Payout

Offer to split proceeds evenly or wire to both accounts separately

Closing timeline

Be flexible if one party needs more time to move out

Emotions

Acknowledge tension without trying to fix it

The smoother and more predictable your process, the better.

What to Say (and Not Say) in a Divorce Lead Call

Start with empathy:

“Hey [Name], I know selling during a divorce is a lot, emotionally and logistically. I’ve helped others in similar situations, and I’m happy to walk through some options at your pace.”

Avoid assumptions:

Don’t say:

“So I assume you both just want this over with?”

They might not. Always ask instead of assuming.

When to Use a Soft Close vs. a Follow-Up

Divorce sellers don’t move fast unless forced. Here’s how to close the conversation:

Soft close:

“Would it be helpful if I drafted up a few scenarios and shared them with both of you?”

Follow-up:

“No pressure at all, I’ll check back in next week in case anything’s changed or you’d like to revisit it.”

Keep the tone light and non-threatening. You’re a guide, not a hammer.

How Goliath Makes Divorce Lead Management Easier

Here’s how to stay organized and in control:

  • Tag leads as “divorce” and note both seller names

  • Log interactions separately for each person

  • Use templates for emails that include neutral language and clear breakdowns

  • Automate gentle follow-ups spaced over 30–90 days

  • Track readiness signals based on behavior and replies, not just words

And when both sellers go dark?
Send the follow-up script we’ve tested on thousands of leads:

“Just checking in, no rush at all. I’m still here if/when you two decide to move forward. I know it’s not easy, but happy to help however I can.”

It reopens the door without pushing them through it.

Divorce Deals Require More Than a Good Offer

You’re not just solving a real estate problem.
You’re entering a personal situation full of emotion, stress, and complexity.

  • The way you talk matters.

  • The way you follow up matters.

  • The way you listen matters.

When you show up with empathy, structure, and professionalism, you stand out from every other investor or agent chasing a fast check.

Because in divorce deals, the calmest voice wins, and the most respectful one closes.

Written By:

Austin Beveridge

Chief Operating Officer

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Join Thousands Of Satisfied Operators

Discover why top teams rely on Goliath to find motivated sellers. Get everything you need to prospect, nurture, and close more deals.

679

Live Users

$
23
M

Closed Deals

11
%

Satisfaction Rating

11
+

Markets Live

Discover

Join Thousands Of Satisfied Operators

Discover why top teams rely on Goliath to find motivated sellers. Get everything you need to prospect, nurture, and close more deals.

679

Live Users

$
23
M

Closed Deals

11
%

Satisfaction Rating

11
+

Markets Live