Divorce & property
What Is the Significance of a Mesher Order?
A Mesher order is a court order in divorce that postpones the sale of the family home — usually so children can stay until a trigger event (e.g. the youngest turning 18, remarriage, cohabitation or an agreed date), after which it’s sold and the proceeds divided. It keeps a roof over the children but ties up both parties’ equity for years, so weigh it against a clean sale and split now.
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How it works
The court delays the sale and sets out who lives there, who pays the mortgage and outgoings, and the trigger events that force a sale later. Both spouses usually retain a defined share of the eventual proceeds.
Pros and cons
Pro: stability for children. Cons: your equity is locked up for years, future disputes over costs and the sale are common, and market movements affect what you each finally receive. Alternatives include a clean sale-and-split or one party buying the other out.
When the trigger comes
Once a sale is triggered, a quick, certain completion helps everyone move on — a cash buyer gives a fixed figure to divide. See selling around divorce and forcing a sale.
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Written & reviewed by Lisa Hayes, Founder
Lisa Hayes is the founder of Ready Steady Sell and an independent UK home-selling expert with over a decade helping homeowners weigh cash house buyers, property investors and the wider fast house-sale industry — without pressure or hidden fees. Every guide is reviewed for accuracy under our editorial standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Straight answers, no sales talk
What is a Mesher order in divorce?
A court order that postpones the sale of the family home — usually until the children grow up or another trigger event — then the home is sold and the proceeds divided. It provides stability but ties up both parties’ equity.
What triggers the sale under a Mesher order?
Events set by the court, such as the youngest child turning 18 or finishing education, the resident parent remarrying or cohabiting, or an agreed date.