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.
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
Ready to connect with homeowners ready to list?
Define your target area, and we'll connect you with home sellers ready to list. No cold calls, no guesswork. Just show up to the appointment, and sign the listing agreement. Pay only when the deal closes.
*You will be subscribe to our newsletter
