Brendan rose.

“My client makes no claim on the marital residence — the deed predates the marriage and stands in the respondent’s name.

She surrenders all interest in the property.” Noreen’s head came up, a flare of greedy hope crossing her face; she actually believed I was fool enough to hand them a house free and clear.

Brendan let a beat pass.

“The house, however, carries a seven-hundred-fifty-thousand-dollar mortgage, which my client alone has been servicing out of separate funds.

Post-divorce, she absorbs none of that debt.