Missouri Divorce Mortgage Specialist
When your marriage ends, your options don't. I help Missouri homeowners understand exactly what they can do with their home — and make it happen without the overwhelm.
Let's talk through your options
No pressure. No commitment. Just clarity.
I'll reach out within one business day to schedule your free 20-minute call. Check your inbox for a confirmation email.
Understanding your options
Every divorcing homeowner's situation is different. Here's what's typically possible — and I can help you figure out which one fits yours.
One spouse keeps the house. The other's name is removed from the mortgage through a refinance. You qualify based on your income alone — and I'll tell you upfront if and how that works.
Best for: You want to stay. Kids are in school. You can qualify solo.
You sell the home, pay off the mortgage, and divide what's left. I can help you understand exactly how much equity you're working with before you list — so you negotiate from a position of knowledge.
Best for: A clean break. Neither party wants the home long-term.
One spouse stays in the home temporarily (often for the kids) while both remain on the mortgage. This is a bridge — not a forever solution. I'll help you understand the timeline and risks clearly.
Best for: Minor children. Short-term stability while the divorce finalizes.
I hear this every week
There are no bad questions here — only ones you've been carrying alone too long.
"Can I even qualify for a mortgage on just my income?"
Often yes — especially if you have stable employment. We run the numbers together before you commit to anything. You deserve a real answer, not a guess.
"My ex won't cooperate. Can I still refinance?"
It's complex, but not impossible. The right approach depends on what your divorce decree says and what state your title is in. We'll map that out together.
"Do I have to wait until the divorce is final?"
Not always. In some cases you can move forward before finalization. In others, you'll need the decree. I'll tell you exactly where you stand.
"We're underwater. Do we have any options?"
Negative equity changes your choices but doesn't eliminate them. We'll look at what you owe vs. what it's worth, and find the path with the least damage.
"Will this destroy my credit?"
Only if it's handled wrong. Proper planning — timing your refinance, keeping payments current, understanding what goes on your record — protects you. That's what I'm here for.
"My attorney handles the divorce. Why do I need you?"
Your attorney handles the legal split. I handle the mortgage math. They work together. Many attorneys actually prefer you have a mortgage specialist in your corner before signing anything.
The process
I've helped hundreds of Missouri homeowners get clarity through one of the most stressful chapters of their lives. Here's how we do it.
A 20-minute call where you tell me what's happening. I listen, ask the right questions, and tell you honestly what your options are. No application, no commitment.
I pull together your numbers — current mortgage balance, estimated home value, your income and credit — and show you what each path actually looks like for you, with real figures.
No pressure timeline. When you're ready to move forward, I handle the loan process start to finish and coordinate with your attorney so nothing falls through the cracks.
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About Mariana
I'm Mariana — a Missouri-licensed mortgage loan originator based in Chesterfield. I work with homeowners going through divorce every week, and I've seen firsthand how the right guidance at the right time changes everything.
Common questions
Answers to the questions I get asked most often. Don't see yours? Ask me directly.
A divorce buyout refinance is when one spouse refinances the existing mortgage into their name alone, removing the other spouse from both the mortgage and the title. This is typically how one person "buys out" the other's equity in the home. The spouse leaving signs a quitclaim deed transferring their ownership interest, and the spouse staying takes on a new mortgage based solely on their own income and credit.
Generally, no. A quitclaim deed can remove someone from the title (ownership), but it does not remove them from the mortgage. The only way to remove someone from a mortgage obligation is to refinance the loan entirely into the remaining spouse's name, or to sell the property. If your divorce decree says your spouse must refinance and they don't, you may need to return to court.
Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) — that's your total monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. If you receive spousal or child support, that income can often be counted (with documentation). We also consider your credit score, employment history, and the value of the home. I run all of this in our first conversation so you know where you stand before doing anything.
Yes, in most cases. Lenders typically require that the support has been received consistently for at least 6 months and that it's documented to continue for at least 3 years. You'll need a copy of the divorce decree or separation agreement and bank statements showing receipt of the payments. I'll walk you through exactly what documentation you'll need.
This is one of the most common complications I see. If your divorce decree specifically orders your spouse to sign, they can be held in contempt of court for refusing. Your family law attorney handles that piece. From a mortgage standpoint, we wait until that's resolved before proceeding. I work alongside your attorney regularly and can communicate directly with them if it helps.
Typically 30 to 45 days from complete application to closing, assuming both parties cooperate. Complications — like a contested decree, title issues, or income documentation challenges — can extend that timeline. I set realistic expectations from day one so you can plan around it.
It depends on what you're trying to accomplish. In some cases you can begin the process before finalization — for example, if both spouses agree on the terms. In other cases, lenders want to see the final divorce decree before they'll approve a buyout refinance. We'll clarify this based on your specific situation in our first call.
Ready when you are
No credit check. No application. No pressure. Just answers.