Courts usually will not order either spouse to vacate the marital residence during the divorce except in domestic violence cases. During equitable distribution, the court may award either spouse possession of the family home as part of their share of the marital estate. Or the court may order the house sold and divide the proceeds between the spouses, which often occurs when the marital home represents the most significant asset in the estate. Instead of selling the home, one spouse may offer to buy out their ex’s interest in the property.