Roommates

[SharonBren]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey I have a very dear friend who in in the midst of a very ugly divorce. He needs to sell his house, but would like to take on a roommate until he sells the house because he cannot afford the mortgage alone, and his soon to be ex-wife does not want to help him pay it any longer. Is there any legal reason he cannot rent a room in his home to a woman? Would this effect what his wife is entitled to?

 

[mistoffolees]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey I have a very dear friend who in in the midst of a very ugly divorce. He needs to sell his house, but would like to take on a roommate until he sells the house because he cannot afford the mortgage alone, and his soon to be ex-wife does not want to help him pay it any longer. Is there any legal reason he cannot rent a room in his home to a woman? Would this effect what his wife is entitled to?

He can rent a room to a man, woman, or Martian as long as they are legally able to enter a contract.

With a woman, he'll need to consider whether his ex will charge him with adultery. In particular, if he is collecting rent from the woman, he will be benefiting financially from the relationship, so it could affect alimony.
Adultery and Alimony? | New Jersey Divorce Center

If it were me, I'd avoid it unless there's a separate entrance or other way to maintain a separate living relationship. Even if he's not guilty of adultery, he may spend a lot of time and money proving it.