Do I have to force a sale of the house in a divorce?

In Massachusetts, the house is considered marital property.  However, if you can resolve the divorce so that both parties are happy, it is possible to not split each and every asset 50/50. 

That being said, in the current economy (where a lot of houses are underwater), it is becoming more common for language to go into a divorce agreement that indicates both parties will remain on the mortgage and deed of the house until one party is able to refinance in their own name.  In this type of situation, there is typically language to indicate one party would have possession of the house,and the responsibility to keep the mortgage current.  If that party is unable to keep the mortgage current, the other party can take over the mortgage and the house or force the sale of the house, so that it does not go into foreclosure.

This can be risky, since you must rely on your ex-spouse to keep the mortgage current.  If they default on the loan, you could have a negative impact to your credit rating.  Also, it may prevent you from obtaining financing on another property if you are looking to buy something.