When you’re navigating a divorce, decisions about the home often feel like the most emotional and financially complex part of the process. The house carries memories, stability, and identity — but it is also one of the largest financial obligations you’ll make decisions about. Because of that, many people make assumptions about mortgages, refinancing, and timing that end up costing them financially long after the divorce is finalized.
Below are four of the most common mortgage-related mistakes I see during divorce, along with the financial implications you should be aware of as you decide whether to keep, sell, or split the home.
1. Assuming You Can Refinance Without Checking the Numbers
It’s extremely common for one spouse to want to keep the home and refinance later. The challenge is that refinancing after a divorce is very different than refinancing while married. Income may change, debt-to-income ratios shift, and lenders often require a stable history of income before approving a loan. What feels emotionally comfortable, such as keeping the home simply because you’ve always made the payments, may not be financially possible once your financial picture is separated into two households. Getting clarity on lending qualifications early can save you from signing up for something that becomes unaffordable down the road.
2. Delaying the Home Sale “For the Kids” Without a Long-Term Plan
Many couples delay selling the home to preserve stability for their children. While this comes from a place of care, it can create significant financial strain if there isn’t a long-term plan in place. You may find yourself responsible for a mortgage that stretches your budget too thin or discover that remaining tied to the home limits your ability to qualify for future housing. Without a clear financial strategy, what begins as a well-intentioned choice can turn into years of financial stress. Keeping the home should always support your long-term stability, not compromise it.
3. Confusing Mortgage Responsibility With Title Ownership
A common and often costly misunderstanding during divorce is assuming that title and mortgage are the same — but they are two completely different things. Being on the title means you own the property, while being on the mortgage means you are legally responsible for the debt. You can be removed from the deed but still be fully liable for the mortgage payments, or remain on the title even when you are no longer financially responsible for the loan. These mismatches can lead to problems with liability, taxes, and future borrowing ability. Understanding the distinction is essential as you negotiate the terms of your divorce.
4. Trusting Your Ex Will “Just Refinance Later”
Promises to refinance are often made with the best intentions, but without clear deadlines and enforceable terms, they frequently fall through. When your name remains on the mortgage after the divorce, your financial life remains tied to your ex’s decisions. If they pay late, even once, your credit will reflect it. If they default, you are exposed to the same consequences. And as long as your name stays on the loan, your borrowing capacity is limited, which can affect your ability to buy a home, secure financing, or move forward financially. Relying on a verbal promise is not enough to protect your future.
How a CDFA® Professional Helps
A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® helps you approach these decisions with clarity, structure, and a firm understanding of your long-term financial picture. I help you determine whether refinancing is truly feasible based on lender requirements, income projections, and realistic cash flow. I walk you through the financial impact of delaying a sale, help you understand the difference between mortgage responsibility and title ownership, and create a settlement structure that protects you if refinancing does not occur as planned. My role is to give you the financial transparency and strategy you need to avoid costly mistakes and move forward with confidence.
If you’re feeling uncertain about the best path forward — or just want a second set of eyes on your home and mortgage decisions during divorce — I’m here to help you understand your options and make well-informed, realistic choices.
Your Path Forward Starts Here
Divorce is one of life’s most difficult transitions, but you don’t have to face it alone. I’m here for you, every step of the way. As your trusted partner through divorce, my goal is to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and compassion.
You deserve trusted support. As a Divorce Financial Analyst with extensive experience as an MS, CFP®, CDFA®, AWMA®, and CRPC®, I’m committed to helping you make informed, empowered decisions about your financial future. Whether you’re just beginning or already deep in the process, I’m here to help you take that next step with confidence and a clear plan!
Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today!
Utah Divorce Financials’ professionals are NOT ATTORNEYS AND DO NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE. All information is financial in nature and should not be construed or relied upon as legal or tax advice. Individuals seeking legal or tax advice should solicit the counsel of competent legal or tax professionals knowledgeable about divorce laws in their own geographical areas. Divorce financial planning is a fee-only process that does not include investment advice or securities or insurance transactions.