If you are in the middle of a divorce and trying to decide if you should keep the house, here is some information you should know.
The first thing to consider if you want to keep the house is whether or not you can afford it. If you are both currently on the mortgage, you will have to refinance the loan in your name. So your first homework assignment is to contact a mortgage planner and find out if you qualify to refinance the house.
The lender will look at your credit score and your income. If you expect to receive child support and spousal support, these are also considered sources of income for qualifying purposes. But you will have to show to the lender that you have received three or more months worth of payments (many now ask for 12 months) and that this income will continue for at least three years.
Lets assume that you qualify to refinance the loan in your name. You are halfway there. Once you find out your new house payment, you will need to add to it utilities, repairs, cost of upkeep and other related expenses. Do you really want a home of this size? Do you intend to keep it for awhile?
Once you come up with a fairly good estimate of the total monthly cost of your home, plug that number into your post-divorce budget. Remember, child support and spousal maintenance will not last forever; they are only temporary sources of income. Make a plan now for how you will replace this income in the future.
If you are unable to refinance the loan in your name right away and your spouse agrees to stay on the mortgage, he should know that he will be equally responsible for the loan until you are able to refinance. In other words, if you experience hardship down the road and your home goes into foreclosure, your spouse takes the hit along with you. Same deal if the roles are reversed and he keeps the house but your name remains on the mortgage.
If you want to buy another home, will you qualify after the divorce?
Again, it all boils down to the health of your credit score and the size of your income.
I often see bruised credit scores, limited income and wiped-out savings as a result of a breakup. I advise folks not to rush into any major investments or purchases for at least six months to a year after divorce. That will give them time to rebuild credit scores and improve their financial situation.
Divorce is never a financial slam-dunk. Each circumstance carries its own unique challenges that can be tricky to navigate successfully. Consult a financial professional specializing in divorce or a family law attorney to make sure you come out of this with your head above water.
About the Author:
Denisa Tova MBA, CFP, CFDP(TM), ChFC, CLU provides divorce financial expertise to divorcing individuals. She is a Certified Financial Planner(TM) practitioner, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst www.denisatova.com.
Reprinted with permission of The Colorado Springs Gazette
Related Blogs
- Math Assignment Service | Homework tips | Assignment Expert
- Health Care Reform ยท health insurance ratings | homeinsurance …
- Divorce On A Budget: Self Help Divorce, Attorney Consultations …
- What Is the National Average Credit Score? | Zodmin
- Improve Your Credit Score โ Looking At Some Different Options To …
