Ex refusing to sign accepted offer on matrimonial home. What are my options?

:25px-Flag_of_Alberta:Alberta

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some insight from anyone who has been through something similar in Alberta.
I am currently going through a divorce, and the matrimonial home has been listed for sale for approximately 5 months. After several price adjustments, we finally received our first and only offer. The offer is slightly below the asking price, and I have signed the purchase agreement.
My ex has not signed yet.

Some background:
I am the only person listed on title of the home.
She is currently living in the home.
Since our separation, she has not contributed toward the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities, or maintenance costs. I have been covering these expenses myself.
She previously signed the Dower Consentwhen the home was first listed for sale.
She also signed another Dower Consent when the listing price was reduced previously.
The property was initially listed at a higher price. Later reductions were made on the existing listing rather than creating a new listing. My understanding is that she did not want to sign a new Dower Consent for the lower prices because she felt the value was too low, so I proceeded with the price reductions under the existing listing.

I spoke with her after receiving the offer, and based on that conversation, it appears she may be expecting some financial payment before agreeing to sign the sale documents, or she may refuse to sign altogether.

The challenge is that there is very little equity left in the property after all obligations are paid.

Approximate numbers:
Sale price: ~$600,000
Realtor commissions: ~$22,000
Mortgage payout: ~$500,000
Mortgage break penalty: ~$5,000
HELOC: ~$7,000 (taken out recently to help cover mortgage and property tax obligations)
Family loan used toward the original down payment: ~$75,000 (documented with proof and a written agreement)
After accounting for everything, there appears to be little to no equity remaining.

Earlier, when the property was listed at $630,000, I offered her approximately $40,000 to buy out her interest in the property. She initially agreed but later changed her position. Given the current sale price and outstanding debts, I am no longer in a position to offer anything close to that amount.

The difficult part is that I feel stuck. She is living in the home, is not contributing toward the ongoing costs, and now does not appear willing to move forward with the sale. I continue to carry the financial burden while the sale is being delayed.

The buyers have given us until July 13 to have the agreement fully signed, with possession scheduled for August. If she refuses to sign, I am worried the deal will fall apart. This is the only offer we have received in five months, and I am concerned another buyer may not come along anytime soon.

I am already speaking with a lawyer, but I wanted to hear from anyone who has experienced something similar.
Questions:
Since I am the only person on title, how does that affect my ability to sell the home?
Does her previous signing of Dower Consent to list the property help my position?
Can the court order the sale to proceed if one spouse refuses to cooperate?
Is there any possibility of getting an urgent court order before the buyer’s deadline?
Does the fact that she has remained in the home without contributing to the carrying costs since separation make any difference?

Please let me know.

Thank you,

Posted Jul 6, 2026, 8:54 PM UTC

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