In this episode of The Melinda Eitzen Show, Melinda Eitzen sits down with attorney and receiver Travis Cross to discuss the important role receivers play in family law cases involving real estate.

When divorcing spouses cannot agree on selling a property, signing documents, or completing a court-ordered sale, a receiver can be appointed by the court to step into the owners’ shoes and move the process forward.

Travis explains how receivers differ from realtors, the authority granted through receivership orders, and why including receivership language in settlement agreements can prevent costly enforcement issues later. The conversation also covers court approval requirements, compensation structures, common obstacles receivers face, and real-world examples of handling uncooperative parties. Melinda and Travis discuss how receiverships are used not only in family law matters but also in probate and civil disputes, highlighting how a receiver can help resolve situations that would otherwise remain stalled for years.

About the Guest:
Travis Cross is an attorney, licensed realtor, and professional receiver who focuses exclusively on receivership matters involving residential and commercial real estate. Travis combines his legal and real estate experience to help parties efficiently resolve disputes involving property sales, probate matters, and court-ordered transactions. To contact Travis, please email Travis@Lrecg.com or call 469.525.0087

If you need a receiver, please use the following link to obtain the necessary legal documents: https://lrecg.com/forms#receiver-forms

Key Takeaways About Receiverships in Family Law

● A Receiver Steps Into the Owner’s Shoes: A court-appointed receiver can sign listing agreements, contracts, amendments, and other documents necessary to sell property when owners refuse to cooperate.

● Receivers Are Different From Realtors: Realtors market and sell property, but they cannot force a transaction forward when one party refuses to sign. A receiver has authority granted by the court.

● Court Approval Remains Important: Even after a receiver negotiates a sale, the transaction must always be submitted to the court for approval before closing.

● Receivership Language Matters: Including language such as “a receiver shall be appointed” in settlement agreements can prevent significant enforcement problems later.

● Cooperation Saves Money: Receiverships can become expensive when parties refuse to cooperate, requiring additional motions, hearings, and court involvement.

● Receivers Must Maximize Value: A receiver’s role is to help achieve the best reasonable outcome for the property while remaining neutral and acting under court authority.

● Detailed Orders Prevent Problems: Comprehensive receivership orders help address common issues such as showings, property access, maintenance, and compliance deadlines.

● Receiverships Extend Beyond Divorce: In addition to family law cases, receivers are frequently used in probate disputes and certain civil matters involving property.

● Communication Is Still Valuable: Even when parties are uncooperative, involving them in pricing decisions and property information can help maximize sales results.

● Receivers Help Move Stalled Cases Forward: When parties refuse to act, a receiver can provide the authority necessary to complete transactions and bring long-running disputes to a resolution.

Notable Quotes

"We basically step into the shoes of the owner."

"A realtor can’t force a transaction forward when someone refuses to sign." (Paraphrased from discussion.)

"If you don't have that language, you might be dead in the water one day."

"You either start playing nice and this will be cheap and easy, or if you don't play nice, then it's going to be expensive."