Ello Lending Company logo
Services
Partners
Properties
FAQs
Insights
About us
Contact
Get in touch
Ello Lending Company logoYourLand logo
ServicesPartnersPropertiesFAQsInsightsAbout usContact
Privacy PolicyComplaints

Subscribe to our newsletter

Disclaimer

Comparison rates above are based on a home loan of $150,000 for 25 years. WARNING: The comparison rates are true for the example given only and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.

Important Information:

Any information provided does not constitute an offer of credit and are examples of what may be available to you based on the information available. It does not take into account any product features or any applicable fees. Lending criteria and the basis upon which we assess what you may be able to afford may change at any time without notice. For Fixed Rate home loans, break costs may be payable which can be significant if you change the whole or part of your fixed rate loan or where additional or early repayments are made during the fixed rate period.

All applications are subject to lender assessment and approval. Cashback offers may be provided by some lenders and may only be available for particular products, terms and conditions apply.

© 2025 Ello Lc Pty Ltd ACN 662 742 645. Australian Credit Representative Number 544008. Ello is a Credit Representative of QED Credit Services PTY LTD (Australian Credit Licence number 387856).

Back to Insights

What Happens To Mortgage When You Get Divorced?

21st October, 2023
Profile picture of author Ello
Ello
Cover image for What Happens To Mortgage When You Get Divorced?

Divorce can be overwhelming and complex, and the financial implications can be equally daunting. When it comes to mortgages, understanding what happens to your loan can help you plan for your changed financial circumstances. In this blog post, we'll take a look at what happens to your mortgage when you get divorced, and the options you have when it comes to managing your mortgage post-divorce.

What the Court Decides Regarding Mortgage During Divorce

When it comes to divorce, the court will decide what happens to the mortgage when it comes to the family home. This will be based on a variety of factors, including the respective incomes and financial resources of each spouse, the current market value of the property, and the amount of equity that each party may have in the property.

In Australia, the court has the power to order one spouse to buy out the other. This means the court could order one spouse to purchase the other’s share of the property, or to refinance the mortgage to remove the other spouse from the loan. Alternatively, the court could order that the home be sold and the proceeds split between the parties.

The court might also order that one spouse make payments to the other. This could be a lump sum payment or ongoing payments to cover the mortgage costs.

The court can also order that the spouses enter into a formal agreement, such as a binding financial agreement, to determine the division of assets, including the mortgage.

Regardless of the court’s decision, it’s important for readers to consider their own needs and resources when it comes to the mortgage during a divorce. It’s important to consider whether they are able to afford to keep up with payments, or if they need to find alternative housing. It’s also important to consider any tax implications of taking on or giving up a mortgage.

Finally, it’s important to remember the importance of getting professional advice when dealing with the mortgage during a divorce. A professional mortgage broker or financial advisor can provide valuable advice and assistance when negotiating a settlement.

What to do if You Cannot Refinance the Mortgage

When going through a divorce, one of the most important things to consider is what will happen to the mortgage. Many couples who own a house together will need to refinance the mortgage in order to divide the property. But what if you can’t refinance the mortgage?

It’s important to remember that you cannot be forced to take on a mortgage that you cannot afford. If you and your partner cannot agree on how to divide the mortgage, and one of you is unable to refinance it, the court can order that the mortgage be paid off in full. This is usually done by selling the property and splitting the proceeds.

If you are unable to refinance the mortgage, it is important that you seek financial advice from a qualified professional. They can help you to understand your options and what steps you need to take to make sure your finances are secure.

It’s also important to remember that the court will not force you to take on a mortgage if you cannot afford it. In some cases, they may order that the mortgage be refinanced, but it is important to understand that this is not a guaranteed outcome.

Finally, if you have children, you should consider their welfare when deciding what to do with the property. It is important to ensure that they are provided with a secure home environment, and that any decisions made are in their best interests.

What to Consider When Selling the Property

When divorcing couples decide to sell the family home, there are a number of things that they should consider.

First, they need to decide how they will divide the proceeds from the sale. It is important to note that the proceeds from the sale will be divided in accordance with the Family Law Act 1975. The parties should consider whether they should obtain independent legal advice about the division of the proceeds.

Second, they should consider how any existing mortgage will be dealt with. It is important to note that the parties may be liable for any outstanding mortgage payments if one party does not pay. Therefore, it is important to consider how the parties will divide or refinance the mortgage in order to ensure that both parties are held responsible for any outstanding payments.

Third, they should consider the capital gains tax implications of the sale. The proceeds from the sale of a family home are generally exempt from capital gains tax in Australia. However, it is important to consider any other assets that may be subject to capital gains tax, such as investments or holiday homes.

Fourth, the parties should consider how the sale will affect their credit ratings. It is important to remember that any unpaid debts associated with the property will still remain on the credit report of both parties. Therefore, it is important to consider how the parties will manage any existing debt to ensure that their credit ratings are not adversely affected.

Finally, it is important for the parties to consider the timing of the sale. If the parties are in a rush to sell the property, they may not get the best price for it. Therefore, it is important to consider the market conditions and how long it may take to get the best price for the property.

In conclusion, when divorcing couples consider selling their family home, they should consider the above points in order to ensure that they get the best outcome for themselves. It is also important to remember that the parties should seek independent legal advice to ensure that the division of the proceeds of the sale is in accordance with the Family Law Act 1975.

Strategies for Managing Mortgage Payments After Divorce

When a couple divorces, the mortgage is often one of the largest financial problems they must face. It is important for those going through a divorce to understand how their mortgage will be managed and what strategies they can use to ensure that it remains manageable.

The first step is to discuss the mortgage with your ex-spouse and determine who will assume responsibility for the mortgage payments. It is important to discuss the options and decide who will keep the home and who will be responsible for the mortgage payments. In some cases, the home may be sold and the proceeds divided between the parties.

If one of the parties is keeping the home, the lender may be willing to modify the loan. This may involve a change in the interest rate, a change in the loan term, or a reduction in the principal balance. It is important to speak to the lender to determine what options are available.

The parties may also decide to refinance the mortgage and have one party take over the loan in their own name. This may involve a new loan application and a review of the party’s credit score, income, and assets. It is important to understand the terms of the new loan and make sure that the party is able to afford the payments.

In some cases, both parties may decide to keep the home and continue to share the mortgage payments. This may involve a change in the loan documentation to reflect the change in ownership. Both parties must make sure that their credit scores are good enough to qualify for the loan.

It is important for the parties to understand the terms of the loan and their legal obligations. It is also important to consider the tax implications of the loan. In some cases, the parties can deduct some of the mortgage interest from their taxes. This should be discussed with a tax professional.

No matter what strategy is chosen, it is important for the parties to communicate and work together to ensure that the mortgage payments are made on time. This will help to ensure that the home remains in good standing and that both parties are able to maintain their credit scores.

We understand you and we want to help

Divorce can be a stressful and difficult time for both parties involved, so it's important to understand the potential implications on your mortgage. As an experienced and trusted mortgage broker, xxx is here to help. We can provide you with the information and advice you need to make informed decisions about your mortgage and help you to navigate the difficult process that comes with getting divorced. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your mortgage options, contact us today and our team of experts will be happy to help.

Other insights

View all
Cover image for How is Stamp Duty Calculated on Off the Plan Purchases?

How is Stamp Duty Calculated on Off the Plan Purchases?

Stamp duty rates for off the plan purchases vary across Australian states and territories. In Victoria, the rate is 4.5%, in Queensland, it is 4%, and in New South Wales, it is 3.5% for off the plan apartments. Stay informed about the latest rates as they may change over time. Our experienced mortgage brokers at Ello Lending can provide guidance and support in understanding stamp duty calculations. Contact us for assistance.

Cover image for Calculating The Stamp Duty on an Off the Plan Purchase NSW

Calculating The Stamp Duty on an Off the Plan Purchase NSW

Discover how to calculate stamp duty for an off the plan purchase in NSW and get expert guidance from Ello Lending, your trusted mortgage broker. We'll help you navigate the complexities of stamp duty and find the right home loan for your needs. Contact us today for personalized assistance and turn your off the plan property dreams into reality.

Cover image for Is Debt Consolidation Only for Credit Cards?

Is Debt Consolidation Only for Credit Cards?

Debt consolidation is not limited to credit cards; it encompasses various types of debt, including personal loans, medical bills, and student loans. It aims to simplify finances and potentially reduce interest rates and monthly payments. At Ello Lending, our mortgage brokers can provide personalized guidance on debt consolidation options to help individuals manage their debts effectively.

View all