If my ex-husband never refinanced the house after our divorce, what happens if he stops paying the mortgage company?
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If my ex-husband never refinanced the house after our divorce, what happens if he stops paying the mortgage company?
I have been divorced for 6 years. My ex-husband kept the house and was supposed to take my name off the mortgage. However, since he is unemployed and has very little income the mortgage company will not refinance for him. Consequently my name is still on the mortgage.
Asked on October 16, 2015 under Family Law, Indiana
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
1 If the mortgage is not paid, the lender can foreclose on the home--i.e. the bank can take it.
2 Since you are on the mortgage, you are legally responsible for it you can be sued for the money owed and will face credit damage.
3 You in turn could sue your ex-husband for any losses or costs you suffered due to his failure to keep up payments and/or refinance, but
a if he in good faith tried and was denied refinancing due to, say, unemployment, he might not be liable, since in this event, it would not be his fault--the failure was due to factors beyond his control
b if he is liable but has little or no income or assets, then even if you sue him and win, you might not get much or anything from him a court judgment in your favor does not make money appear where there is none.
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