Divorce & Separation Mortgage Solutions

Going through a separation is challenging enough without the stress of figuring out your mortgage. Whether you’re buying out your partner, selling the family home, or purchasing a new property on your own, we provide clear guidance and practical solutions during this difficult transition.

– YOUR OPTIONS

Common Separation Scenarios

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Buying Out Your Partner

One spouse wants to keep the family home. We’ll help you refinance to remove your partner from the mortgage and title, access equity to pay them their share, and qualify on your income alone.

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Selling & Splitting Proceeds

Both parties want to sell and divide the equity. We can help each of you get pre-approved for your next home while coordinating timing so neither party is left without housing.

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Purchasing a New Home

Starting fresh in a new property. We’ll help you understand your buying power based on your individual income, and navigate any complications from joint debts or existing mortgage obligations.

– WHAT TO KNOW

Key Mortgage Considerations During Separation

Qualifying on one income: You’ll need to qualify for the mortgage based on your individual income and debts

Spousal support: Child support payments you receive can be counted as income (with documentation)

Joint debts: You may still be responsible for joint debts even after separation until formally discharged

Separation agreement: A formal agreement makes the mortgage process smoother and clearer

Property appraisal: You’ll likely need a current appraisal to determine equity

💡 Mortgage Tip

Don’t wait until everything is finalized. Getting pre-approved early gives you clarity on what you can afford and helps you make better decisions during negotiations. Understanding your mortgage options can actually help inform your separation agreement — so talk to us early in the process.

– COMMON QUESTIONS

Divorce & Separation Mortgage FAQ

Navigating mortgage options during a difficult time — with answers that help you move forward.

Can I qualify for a mortgage on my own after separation?

Yes, many people qualify for a mortgage on single income after separation. We’ll assess your income, debts, and any support payments (both received and paid) to determine your options. Many clients are surprised to find they qualify for more than they expected — let’s look at your specific numbers.

How does a spousal buyout work?

In a spousal buyout, one partner keeps the home and “buys out” the other’s equity share. This typically involves refinancing the mortgage in just your name and accessing equity to pay your ex-spouse their portion. We specialize in structuring these transactions and work with many lenders who understand the process.

Do I need a separation agreement for a mortgage?

For most lenders, yes. A separation agreement (or divorce decree) clarifies division of assets, spousal support, and child support — all factors that affect mortgage qualification. If your agreement isn’t finalized yet, some lenders can work with draft agreements, but a signed agreement makes the process smoother.

Can I use child support or spousal support to qualify?

Yes, both child support and spousal support can be counted as income for mortgage qualification. Typically, lenders want to see that payments have been received consistently for 3-6 months, with documentation showing they’ll continue. We’ll help you determine exactly what documentation you’ll need.

What if my credit was damaged during the marriage?

We understand that separation often comes with financial challenges. We work with lenders across the credit spectrum and can often find solutions even for bruised credit situations. We can also advise on steps to rebuild your credit quickly if your score needs improvement before qualifying.

Can I remove my ex from the mortgage without refinancing?

Generally, no. Most lenders require a refinance to remove someone from a mortgage because they need to reassess whether the remaining borrower qualifies alone. Some lenders offer “assumption” programs, but these are rare and still require qualification. We’ll explore all available options for your situation.

Should I keep the house or sell and start fresh?

This depends on your financial situation, emotional attachment, and future goals. Keeping the home offers stability but ties up your equity. Selling provides a clean break and liquid capital. We can’t make this decision for you, but we can show you exactly what each option looks like financially so you can decide with clarity.

How quickly can I get a spousal buyout completed?

With all documentation in place, a spousal buyout can typically be completed in 3-4 weeks. The timeline depends on appraisal scheduling, lender approval, and legal work. If there’s a court-ordered deadline, let us know — we can often expedite the process with certain lenders.

⚖️ GOING THROUGH A SEPARATION?