Can you remove a ex-spouse from a mortgage without refinancing?

Asked by: Stephany Nienow IV  |  Last update: September 6, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (14 votes)

There are two ways to remove a divorced partner from a mortgage: obtaining a release of liability from the lender or refinancing the mortgage. A release from liability is easier, but counts on the lender granting permission.

What happens if a spouse dies and they are the only one on a mortgage?

The situation becomes more complicated if the mortgage is only in the deceased spouse's name. The surviving spouse can often assume the mortgage, but this process may involve credit checks and lender approval. If the surviving spouse cannot assume the mortgage, other options must be explored to prevent foreclosure.

Can you take over someone's mortgage without refinancing?

No, you can not add anyone to a mortgage without refinancing. Exactly why do you want to burden your new wife with a mortgage?

How to keep a house in divorce without refinancing?

If you want to keep the house and don't have enough equity to do a cash-out refinance or the money to pay your ex their share, the solution might be a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan.

How do I get my ex-husband's name off the house?

You need an order from the Court to remove him. If you have one listing the home as yours, you have to refinance. He would then be removed from the loan. Or sell the home. You'd file for contempt if he won't sign the forms to come off.

Divorce & Family Home | Refinance, Buyout, Or Sell | Dave Ramsey's Advice

31 related questions found

Can I remove my ex-husband from my mortgage without refinancing?

A loan assumption or modification could release a co-borrower from your mortgage without refinancing, preserving the current homeownership. However, lenders aren't required to grant these options, so be prepared to negotiate.

How much does it cost to remove someone from a mortgage?

For example, borrowers typically face application fees, appraisal fees and other closing costs that can total between 2% and 5% of the mortgage principal. Maintain original interest rate: A primary incentive to remove someone from a mortgage without refinancing is to keep the original interest rate.

What happens if I don't refinance after divorce?

If you and your ex-spouse's name are on the mortgage, you will both be held liable for the mortgage unless you refinance it out of their name.

Who loses more financially in a divorce?

How does divorce financially affect women? Generally, women suffer more financially than do men from divorce.

How to get out of a joint mortgage?

How can I take my name off a joint mortgage?
  1. Ask them to buy you out.
  2. Consider selling the property and splitting any equity.
  3. Ask if they'd like to take over the mortgage.
  4. See if they'd like you to sell their share to a third party.

How do I remove someone from my mortgage without refinancing?

3 ways to remove someone's name from a mortgage without refinancing or selling
  1. Obtain lender approval.
  2. Assume the mortgage.
  3. Declare bankruptcy.

How do I remove someone from a mortgage after divorce?

Refinancing After Divorce. There are two ways to remove a divorced partner from a mortgage: obtaining a release of liability from the lender or refinancing the mortgage.

Can I sue my ex for not paying the mortgage?

You can take legal action against them for breaching the agreement you both made or seek a court order to force the sale of the property. It's important to consult with a lawyer to understand your legal rights and options and to make the best decisions for your situation.

How to remove dead spouse from mortgage?

To remove your spouse's name, you may need to provide a death certificate to the mortgage company and refinance the mortgage in your name only. Refinancing could potentially lower your interest rate or monthly payments, but it may also involve costs such as closing fees.

What happens if your spouse dies and your name isn t on the house?

In many cases, the spouse can inherit your house even if their name was not on the deed. This is because of how the probate process works. When someone dies intestate, their surviving spouse is the first one who gets a chance to file a petition with the court that would initiate administration of the estate.

Can one spouse take out a mortgage without the other?

The short answer is yes, though you want to understand the pros and cons of getting a mortgage without your spouse.

Who suffers the most in a divorce?

Both ex-spouses take a loss, but typically, men suffer a larger hit to their standard of living than women — between 10 and 40% — due to alimony and child support responsibilities, the need for a separate place to live, an extra set of household furniture and other expenses.

What is the first thing to do when separating?

The First 5 Things To Do When Separating
  1. Step 1: Select a Divorce Attorney.
  2. Step 2: Determine Grounds For Divorce.
  3. Step 3: Understand State Laws.
  4. Step 4: Financial Assessment.
  5. Step 5: Nurture Your Well-Being.

Can you be forced out of your home in a divorce?

Because California is a community property state, if the couple bought the house while they were married, they both have an ownership stake in it, and neither can compel the other to leave.

What if a spouse stops paying a mortgage during divorce?

If Your Spouse Isn't Paying the Mortgage

The bottom line is that your soon-to-be ex remains just as financially responsible for your shared mortgage as he or she was before (even if only you are living there while your divorce is pending).

How can I force my ex to refinance?

Answer: If your ex-spouse refuses to refinance the mortgage, you may have several legal options available to you. You can file a lawsuit, file a motion with the court, or try to negotiate an agreement with your ex-spouse.

Can I add someone to my mortgage without refinancing?

Adding a person to your mortgage without refinancing can only work if the mortgage is assumable. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans tend to be assumable, but other types may not be.

How to take someone off a mortgage without refinancing?

Mortgage Loan Assumption

Mortgage assumption is where a lender agrees to allow a borrower to take over responsibility for an existing mortgage from the current borrower without a new loan. The lender may charge a fee to assume a mortgage.

How to remove ex spouse from mortgage?

There are 2 ways to remove a spouse's name from the mortgage:
  1. Release of liability – You can ask your lender for a release of liability. This is a document that releases a borrower from their obligation to pay back the loan. ...
  2. Refinance – The only other option is to refinance the mortgage.

How do I let someone take over my mortgage?

The lender of the original mortgage must approve the mortgage assumption before the deal can be signed off on by either party. The homebuyer must apply for the assumable loan and meet the lender's requirements, such as having sufficient assets and being creditworthy.