Divorce is hard. Your mortgage plan doesn't have to be.One less thing to worry about.
Hi, I'm Wendy, a mortgage lender and Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP). Divorce brings big questions about the house. Can I keep it? Can I buy on my own? How does support income count? I help you get clear answers, ideally before your agreement is final, so you can make decisions with real numbers.
Can I keep the house in a divorce?
Often, yes, if you can qualify for the mortgage on your own. That usually means refinancing the loan into your name, which also takes your former spouse off the loan. The best time to find out is before your agreement is final, so you and your attorney can plan around real numbers.
Written and reviewed by Wendy Thompson, NMLS #504814 · Updated October 2026
Clear answers about the house
Every situation is different. Here are the questions I help with most.
Your options for the house
Most people end up with one of these paths. The right one depends on your income, your equity and what you and your former spouse agree to:
- Keep the house and refinance. You refinance into your own name, which removes your former spouse from the loan.
- Buy out your spouse's share. If they're owed part of the equity, a refinance can pay them out. Some loan programs treat a buyout from a divorce more favorably than a regular cash-out refinance.
- Sell and split the proceeds. Then each of you can buy or rent separately.
- Keep both names on the loan for now. It's sometimes done, but it can tie your credit together and limit what each of you can buy later.
- Assume the existing loan. Some FHA, VA and USDA loans can be assumed, sometimes releasing the other spouse, with lender approval.
When to talk to a lender
As early as you can. Before your agreement is final is ideal, because what's written in it can affect whether you can keep the house or buy a new one.
- Before filing or early on: find out what you could qualify for on your own.
- While you're negotiating: I can help you and your attorney understand how different terms would affect your mortgage options.
- After the decree: we finalize the refinance or new purchase.
Using alimony or child support to qualify
Support income can often help you qualify. For many common loan programs, it usually needs to:
- Be documented in your divorce decree, separation agreement or a court order
- Have some history of being received, often about six months of full, regular payments
- Be expected to continue for at least three years from when you apply
Rules vary a bit by loan type, and things like your children's ages matter. I'll look at your specific agreement and tell you what can count.
Quitclaim deeds and the mortgage
This one surprises a lot of people. Signing a quitclaim deed takes your name off the title (ownership), but it doesn't take your name off the mortgage. Even if your divorce decree gives the house to your former spouse, you're still responsible for the loan until it's refinanced or paid off. That can affect your credit and what you can buy next, so it's worth planning for.
Protecting your credit during a divorce
A few simple habits can protect your ability to buy or refinance later:
- Keep paying joint accounts on time, including the mortgage, until they're separated
- Check your credit report so you know what's in both names
- Talk to your attorney before closing joint accounts
- Avoid taking on big new debt until your mortgage plan is set
Working with your attorney or mediator
As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional, I work alongside attorneys, mediators and financial advisors on the mortgage side. With your permission, I can review the parts of your agreement that affect the house and give you numbers to make decisions with. I'm not an attorney, though, so I'll never give you legal advice.
How it works with me
- A private conversationWe talk about your situation, your goals and your timeline. Everything stays between us.
- Look at the numbersI review your current mortgage, your income and any support income.
- Map out your optionsI show you what keeping the house, buying out your spouse, or buying on your own would look like.
- Share with your attorney, if you'd likeWith your permission, I can give your attorney or mediator the numbers.
- Get pre-approvedOnce your agreement terms are set, I'll get you pre-approved.
- CloseWe finalize your refinance or new home loan, usually around or after the decree.
What to have ready
You don't need all of this to start a conversation with me. Having it handy just makes things faster when you're ready. Check things off as you go.
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Things people get wrong
MythA quitclaim deed takes me off the mortgage.
FactIt only takes you off the title. You stay on the loan until it's refinanced or paid off.
MythI'll have to sell the house.
FactNot always. Many people can keep the house by refinancing on their own, especially with a plan in place early.
MythI can't do anything until the divorce is final.
FactYou'll often need a signed agreement to close, but you can start planning and getting numbers much earlier, and that's when it helps most.
Hi, I'm Wendy Thompson
Divorce is one of the hardest things people go through, and the house is often the biggest piece of it. I'm a Certified Divorce Lending Professional, and my goal is to give you clear, honest numbers so you can make decisions with confidence. No judgment, ever.
- Mortgage Planner and Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP), RCS-D
- Licensed mortgage loan originator, NMLS #504814
- The Wendy Thompson Team at World Home Loans, NMLS ID #2726290
I'm a mortgage lender, not a real estate agent. I handle your home loan and work alongside the agent you choose.
Divorce and mortgage questions
When should I talk to a lender?
As early as you can, ideally before your agreement is final. Knowing what you can afford helps you and your attorney make better decisions about the house.
If the divorce decree gives the house to my ex, am I off the loan?
Not automatically. Your name stays on the mortgage until the loan is refinanced or paid off, even if the decree says otherwise. I can help you plan for that.
Can I use support income to qualify?
Often, yes, when it's documented and expected to continue for at least three years. A history of receiving it, often about six months, is usually needed too.
How do I buy out my spouse's share of the house?
Usually with a refinance that pays them their share of the equity. Some loan programs have special rules for divorce buyouts that can work in your favor.
Can I buy a new home before the divorce is final?
Sometimes, but it's often easier once your agreement is signed. Let's look at your timeline.
Can my ex and I keep the loan together?
You can, but it ties your credit together and can limit what each of you can buy later. It's worth talking through first.
Do you give legal advice?
No. I'm not an attorney. I work on the mortgage side, alongside your attorney or mediator.
Will this stay private?
Yes. I only share information with people you tell me to, like your attorney or mediator.
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Talk privately with me
Share as much or as little as you'd like. I'll reach out at the time you pick, and everything stays between us.
Rather talk now? Call or text (901) 461-8858.
I'm not an attorney and can't give legal or tax advice. I work alongside your attorney or mediator on the mortgage side.