The decree is signed. Let's sort out the mortgage.
Refinancing an ex off the loan, buying post-divorce, reading court orders. I handle these files regularly. The details matter.
Overview
Divorce creates mortgage complications. Refinancing your ex off the existing loan. Buying a new place while old debt still shows on your credit. Court orders dictating specific terms that your lender doesn't know how to interpret.
A quit claim deed removes someone from the title. Not the mortgage. Only a refinance does that. Child support and alimony can count as income or as debt depending on which side you're on. Debts assigned to your ex may still hit your qualification until they're actually refinanced or paid off.
I deal with these regularly. The documents, the timelines, the gotchas.
What I Look For
How I Handle This
Review the decree. Understand the goals. Assess qualification with proper treatment of shared debts, support, and court orders. These files take more patience and documentation. That's why one person managing everything matters.
Questions I Get
How do I get my ex off the mortgage?
Refinance. The new loan is in your name only. A quit claim deed only transfers title. It does not remove anyone from the mortgage.
Can I use child support as income?
Yes, if it continues for a sufficient period from closing. Documented with the decree and payment history.
Ex was awarded debts they haven't paid?
May still affect your DTI until actually refinanced. Some programs let me exclude them with documentation. I know which ones.
How soon after divorce can I buy?
As soon as the decree is final and financials can be documented. Sometimes immediately.
Navigating a mortgage during or after divorce?
Send me what's happening. I'll tell you how to handle the mortgage side.