Family & Relationships Marriage & Divorce

What Happens to the Mortgage After a Divorce?

    Selling the House

    • Selling the house is the easiest choice for many because it avoids potential complications. The sale of the home can pay off the mortgage and the two parties can split any remaining money between them.

    Keep the Original Mortgage

    • One spouse can keep the home and continue handling the joint mortgage. A potential problem with this option is that the spouse who has moved out is still liable and his credit score is still on the line if his former spouse defaults on the loan. Some couples create a system in which they keep in touch about the mortgage and pay it together.

    Refinancing

    • One party can sign a quit claim deed and the other can buy their ex's share and refinance the loan in her name exclusively.

    Assuming the Mortgage

    • Not all lenders allow the option of assuming the mortgage, which is similar to the refinancing option. The main difference is that the mortgage is changed to one person's name but is not refinanced, as in the other option. The lender needs proof of ability to pay the existing mortgage on the basis of the assuming party's salary.



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