The Financial Implications of Divorce and Mortgage Planning

Two Common Mistakes Divorcing Couples Make Regarding Their Mortgage Needs

Divorce is a complex and emotionally charged process that significantly impacts various aspects of life, including financial stability and housing. One area that often gets overlooked or mishandled by divorcing couples is their mortgage needs. Many couples do not realize the importance of working with a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) during this transitional phase. There are two common mistakes divorcing couples make regarding their mortgage needs and the consequences of not engaging with a CDLP®.

Mistake 1: Misunderstanding the Impact of Alimony and Child Support on Mortgage Qualification

One of the most significant mistakes of divorcing couples is not fully understanding how alimony and child support can impact their ability to qualify for a mortgage.

Alimony and Child Support as Income

These payments can be a crucial source of income for the party receiving alimony or child support. Lenders will look at one's income when applying for a mortgage to determine borrowing capacity. Including alimony or child support can significantly increase the income level lenders consider, potentially allowing for a larger loan amount.

However, specific criteria must be met for these payments to be considered income. Typically, lenders require a consistent history of these payments and a guarantee that they will continue for a certain period. Lenders may hesitate to consider these payments in their income calculations without this assurance. Other common mistakes made with good intentions include payments to a joint checking account or paying the net difference between the total amount and shared expenses.

Alimony and Child Support as Liability

Conversely, alimony and child support are treated as liabilities for the party making these payments. These obligations reduce the monthly income available for other expenses, including mortgage payments. This can lead to a reduced borrowing capacity, making it more challenging to qualify for a new mortgage or refinance an existing one. However, if the alimony or spousal support is categorized correctly, it could be reduced from the gross income rather than listed as a liability and possibly lighten the burden when obtaining mortgage financing.

Mistake 2: Not Considering Long-Term Financial Implications of Keeping the Family Home

The decision to keep the family home during a divorce is often driven more by emotional factors than financial prudence. While maintaining stability and continuity, especially for children, is essential, overlooking the long-term financial implications can be a grave mistake.

Immediate Financial Burden

The immediate financial burden of mortgage payments, property taxes, maintenance, and insurance can be overwhelming, especially when transitioning from a dual-income household to a single-income scenario. Assessing whether the individual keeping the home can realistically afford these expenses in the long term is crucial. The financial analysis of purchasing a smaller home vs. renting after selling the family home in an environment with a higher interest rate needs further consideration, as the interest rate on renting is always 100%.

The Role of a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®)

Not working with a CDLP® is a critical oversight that can exacerbate the abovementioned mistakes. A CDLP® brings a unique blend of knowledge in divorce law and mortgage financing, helping clients navigate the complexities of their situation.

Specialized Knowledge in Divorce and Mortgage Financing

A CDLP® understands the nuances of how divorce can affect mortgage lending. They are well-versed in the legal and financial aspects of divorce settlements and how elements like alimony, child support, and property division can impact mortgage qualification.

Strategic Financial Planning

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of working with a CDLP® is their ability to offer strategic advice on mortgage planning post-divorce. They can provide insights into how various decisions, like keeping the family home, can impact long-term financial health. They can also suggest alternative strategies, such as selling the home and downsizing, which might be more financially viable in the long run.

Streamlining the Mortgage Process

Navigating the mortgage process during a divorce can be particularly challenging. A CDLP® can help streamline this process, ensuring that all documentation is in order and that the unique circumstances of the divorce are appropriately communicated to the lender. This can significantly increase the chances of a successful mortgage application.

Divorce brings about significant changes, and the decisions made during this time can have long-lasting financial implications. Misunderstanding the impact of alimony and child support on mortgage qualification and failing to consider the long-term economic consequences of keeping the family home are two critical mistakes that jeopardize one's financial stability. Working with a Certified Divorce Lending Professional can help mitigate these risks, offering specialized knowledge and strategic planning tailored to the unique challenges of divorce. Engaging with a CDLP® should be considered an essential step for anyone going through a divorce and dealing with mortgage-related decisions.

How are you integrating divorce mortgage planning into your case management?

Working directly with the divorce team, a CDLP® incorporates divorce mortgage planning into the overall process with a unique and solid understanding of the intersection of family law, financing and tax planning, real property, and mortgage planning. Involving a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) early in the divorce settlement process can help the divorcing homeowners set the stage for successful mortgage financing in the future.

This is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or tax advice. You should contact an attorney or tax professional to obtain legal and tax advice. Interest rates and fees are estimates provided for informational purposes only and are subject to market changes. This is not a commitment to lend. Rates change daily – call for current quotations.