Divorce, Mortgages & Financial Clarity: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
Mar 31, 2025
A personal guide to understanding how divorce impacts your home, your loan—and your peace of mind
By Jody Bruns, CDLP® | Host of Beyond the House: Divorce & Financial Clarity
Let me be honest: divorce doesn't just change your relationship status. It shifts everything—your routines, your sense of security, and especially your financial foundation.
One of the most common questions I get from divorcing homeowners is, "Can I keep the house?" The second? "Can I afford it?" Those two questions open the door to a conversation most people aren’t prepared for.
Divorce isn’t just emotional. It’s legal. It’s financial. And when a mortgage is involved, the path forward can get complicated—fast.
I created this blog and my podcast Beyond the House because I wanted a place where we could talk about these things honestly. Whether you're navigating this for yourself or helping someone else through it, I want you to understand what you're up against, and what support is available.
What Divorce Really Means (to the Courts and Your Lender)
Divorce legally ends a marriage, yes. But it also launches a complex process of separating everything you once shared: your home, your debt, your income, your obligations.
Even if you've moved out or made verbal agreements, you’re still financially connected in the eyes of the law until the final decree is signed. That means lenders still see you as legally married—and that can change how they calculate your eligibility for a mortgage.
I know this can be frustrating. You’re doing everything you can to move forward, but the system often feels like it’s holding you back. That’s exactly why this clarity matters.
Why Divorce Interrupts Mortgage Closings
When I work with divorcing clients, one of the first things we talk about is timing. Because unless your divorce paperwork clearly outlines who gets what, who owes what, and how support is structured, your mortgage application could get delayed, denied, or result in a financial setback you didn’t see coming.
Even if both parties agree verbally, lenders need to see legal documentation that supports the terms of the loan. That means:
- A refinance can stall.
- A purchase may be denied.
- A buyout could fall apart at the closing table.
These aren’t just "loan problems"—they’re life problems that affect where you live and how you rebuild.
Real-Life Impact: I've Seen It Happen Too Many Times
I’ve seen clients come to me after their refinance was denied because the divorce decree didn’t spell out the equity terms. Or because their support income couldn’t be used yet under lending guidelines.
Sometimes it’s a matter of timing. Sometimes it's just not knowing what questions to ask early enough.
That’s why I always say: clarity is everything.
What is Divorce Mortgage Planning (and Why It Matters So Much)
This is where Divorce Mortgage Planning changes the game.
As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®), I work directly with homeowners, attorneys, mediators, and financial planners to make sure your housing decisions align with both your divorce terms and real lending guidelines.
We look at the full picture:
- Can support income be used to qualify?
- Does the buyout structure meet underwriting requirements?
- Is the home still jointly owned and how does that affect title?
Ideally, I get involved early in the process so we can plan forward and avoid the usual roadblocks. But even if you’re in the middle of the process or feel like it’s too late—I promise you, it’s not.
It is never too late to ask for clarity.
If You're a Divorce Professional Reading This
First, thank you for doing the work you do. I know how heavy these cases can be.
If you’ve ever watched a client struggle to keep the home they love, or if you’ve seen post-decree complications blow up financing, let’s connect.
When you work with a CDLP®, you add someone to the team who understands both the emotional weight and the financial mechanics of housing in divorce.
This isn’t about pushing loans. It’s about protecting your client’s stability—and giving them a better path forward.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Start With Peace, Not Panic
You don’t have to have all the answers today.
But if you’re in the middle of a divorce—or you’re supporting someone who is—you deserve a clear, informed path forward.
Your next move matters. Your home matters. And your peace of mind matters most of all.
If I can help you or your client understand the next step, I’m just a message away.
Let’s turn confusion into clarity—together.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult with your attorney or financial advisor for guidance specific to your situation.
© Jody Bruns, LLC. All rights reserved.