Mortgage After Divorce 2026: Complete Guide to Buying, Refinancing & Removing Ex
Going through divorce? Learn how to qualify for a mortgage alone, remove your ex-spouse, refinance, and start fresh. Real strategies from 50,000+ divorced buyers.
⚡ Quick Answer: Can You Get a Mortgage After Divorce?
YES! You can get a mortgage after divorce. Lenders evaluate you based on YOUR income and credit alone (not your ex's). Most divorced buyers qualify within 6-12 months after finalizing divorce.
Key Requirements: 620+ credit score, stable income, DTI under 43%, and divorce decree finalized. Alimony/child support counts as income if documented.
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3 Common Divorce Mortgage Scenarios
Scenario 1: Keep the House
You want to keep the marital home. Need to refinance to remove ex-spouse and possibly buy out their equity.
Scenario 2: Buy New Home
You're moving out and buying a new home. Need to qualify on your income alone while still on old mortgage.
Scenario 3: Sell & Split
Neither keeping house. Sell, split proceeds, both buy new homes separately.
How to Remove Ex-Spouse from Mortgage
⚠️ CRITICAL: Divorce decree does NOT remove ex from mortgage. You MUST refinance or sell. Until then, you're BOTH legally responsible for payments.
Option 1: Refinance (Most Common)
| Step | What Happens | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Qualify | Apply for new mortgage in YOUR name only | 620+ credit, income to cover payment, DTI <43% |
| 2. Appraisal | Home appraised to determine value | Need 20%+ equity to avoid PMI |
| 3. Payoff | New loan pays off old joint mortgage | Closing costs $3K-$6K |
| 4. Release | Ex-spouse removed from mortgage & title | Ex must sign quitclaim deed |
Option 2: Divorce Buyout Refinance
If you need to pay ex-spouse their equity share, use a cash-out refinance:
Example:
- Home value: $400,000
- Current mortgage: $200,000
- Equity: $200,000
- Ex's share (50%): $100,000
Solution: Refinance for $300,000
- $200,000 pays off old mortgage
- $100,000 cash to ex-spouse
- You keep home, ex removed from mortgage
Option 3: Loan Assumption (Rare)
Some loans (FHA, VA, USDA) allow assumption. Ex transfers loan to you without refinancing. Pros: No closing costs, keep current rate. Cons: Lender must approve, ex still liable if you default.
Qualifying for Mortgage After Divorce
Income Requirements
| Income Type | Counts? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| W-2 Employment | Yes | 2 years history, current paystubs |
| Self-Employment | Yes | 2 years tax returns, profit/loss |
| Alimony | Yes | Divorce decree, 6 months received, 3+ years remaining |
| Child Support | Yes | Divorce decree, 6 months received, 3+ years remaining |
| Rental Income | Yes | Lease agreement, 2 years tax returns |
💡 Pro Tip: Alimony and child support are POWERFUL for qualifying. If documented in divorce decree and received for 6+ months, lenders count 100% toward income. This can make the difference between qualifying and not qualifying.
Credit Score Requirements
| Loan Type | Min Credit Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional | 620 | Good credit, 3-20% down |
| FHA | 580 | Lower credit, 3.5% down |
| VA (Veterans) | 580 | Veterans, 0% down |
| USDA (Rural) | 640 | Rural areas, 0% down |
Divorce Impact on Credit
❌ What HURTS Credit
- • Missed payments: On joint accounts (-100 pts)
- • Maxed credit cards: High utilization (-50 pts)
- • Foreclosure: If home goes into foreclosure (-200 pts)
- • Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 or 13 (-200 pts)
- • Collections: Unpaid joint debts (-100 pts)
✅ How to PROTECT Credit
- • Pay on time: All joint accounts until closed
- • Close joint accounts: ASAP after divorce
- • Refinance quickly: Remove ex from mortgage
- • Monitor credit: Check reports monthly
- • Document payments: Prove you paid your share
Waiting Periods After Divorce
| Event | Conventional | FHA | VA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Only | 0 days | 0 days | 0 days |
| Foreclosure | 7 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Short Sale | 4 years | 3 years | 2 years |
| Bankruptcy Ch 7 | 4 years | 2 years | 2 years |
Real Divorce Mortgage Stories
✅ SUCCESS: Kept Home with Alimony Income
"Divorced after 15 years. Wanted to keep house for kids. My income alone wasn't enough, but lender counted $2,500/month alimony. Refinanced, removed ex, kept home. Kids stayed in same school!"
— Jennifer K., Seattle WA
✅ SUCCESS: Bought New Home 6 Months After Divorce
"Divorce finalized March 2025. Sold marital home, split proceeds. Used my $60K share for 10% down on $600K condo. Qualified on my $95K salary alone. Closed in September. Fresh start!"
— Mark T., Austin TX
❌ CHALLENGE: Ex Stopped Paying, Credit Damaged
"Divorce decree said ex pays mortgage. He stopped. My credit dropped 150 points from missed payments. Took 2 years to rebuild credit and qualify for new mortgage. Should've refinanced immediately!"
— Lisa M., Denver CO
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Get Pre-Approved NowFrequently Asked Questions
Can I get a mortgage after divorce?
Yes, you can get a mortgage after divorce. Lenders evaluate you based on YOUR income, credit, and DTI alone. Most divorced buyers qualify within 6-12 months after finalizing divorce decree.
How do I remove my ex-spouse from the mortgage?
To remove ex: 1) Refinance in your name only (most common), 2) Loan assumption (rare), or 3) Sell home. Divorce decree doesn't automatically remove ex - you MUST refinance or sell.
What is a divorce buyout refinance?
Divorce buyout refinance = refinancing to remove ex AND cash out their equity share. Example: $400K home, $200K owed, $200K equity. Refinance for $300K ($200K payoff + $100K cash to ex).
Does divorce hurt my credit score?
Divorce itself doesn't hurt credit, but related issues do: missed payments, maxed cards, foreclosure. If ex stops paying joint mortgage, YOUR credit suffers. Protect yourself: refinance ASAP, close joint accounts.
Can I use alimony or child support as income?
Yes, lenders count alimony and child support IF: documented in divorce decree, received consistently for 6+ months, and will continue for 3+ years. Lenders verify with bank statements and divorce decree.
🚀 Ready for Your Fresh Start?
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Meet Sarah
Senior Mortgage Advisor & VA Loan Specialist
Sarah Mitchell brings over 12 years of mortgage industry expertise, specializing in VA loans and first-time homebuyer programs. As a certified NMLS professional, she has helped thousands of veterans and military families achieve homeownership through specialized loan programs. Her deep understanding of VA benefits and down payment assistance programs makes her a trusted advisor for service members transitioning to civilian life.
EXPERTISE:
KEY ACHIEVEMENT:
Helped 2,500+ veterans secure home loans