What Can I Do if My Ex-Partner Stops Paying Their Share of the Mortgage After Separating?

Divorce and separation are hard enough without the added complication of a mortgage. It’s not uncommon for one partner to move out and refuse to maintain the mortgage payments when separated.

Be reassured that your ex-partner or spouse cannot simply walk away from your joint mortgage. There will be some extremely severe consequences if they try to.

The first thing to do in this situation is to inform your lender. You should then consider seeking legal advice.

What Happens to a Joint Mortgage When You Divorce or Separate?

Nothing happens to your mortgage when you divorce, separate or split up. It doesn’t change.

Who Pays the Mortgage After Separation or Divorce?

All parties on a joint mortgage are jointly and equally liable for making sure the full capital and interest payments are made every month, irrespective of who lives in the property or any personal agreements between borrowers.

You can put another arrangement in place if you find that your mortgage no longer suits your needs after separation. Speak to a broker about your options.

Or, see our guide for more information on how divorce or separation impacts your mortgage.

Does My Ex Have to Pay Half the Mortgage?

You and your ex-partner are equally liable for the mortgage - this remains true even if the loan is based on the income of one party or if one party moves out of the property. Your lender has the right to chase both parties, either jointly or individually, for payments - plus any costs, legal fees or loss made upon any possible repossession.

What Happens if One Partner Stops Paying the Mortgage After Separation?

Any refusal to pay the mortgage will impact your ex-partner's credit file as well as yours. You will both enter into mortgage arrears, meaning it will be much harder to secure a mortgage or any form of credit moving forward.

Can I Transfer a Joint Mortgage to One Person?

If you both agree to transfer a joint mortgage to one person, this is possible through a legal process known as a transfer of equity. A transfer of equity is when you transfer a joint mortgage to one of the owners, or to a new person. The equity you have in a property means how much of the property you legally own, from the amount you’ve paid in through your mortgage repayments.

You’ll need to make sure your ex-partner agrees before speaking to your lender about changing your mortgage from joint to single.

Can I Remove My Ex-Partner’s Name from the Mortgage?

You can apply for a transfer of equity to have your partner’s name removed from the mortgage and the property transferred into your name only. You’ll need make sure your ex-partner agrees before speaking to your lender about making this change.

If your application for a transfer of equity is refused, it’ll most likely be because of an affordability issue. The lender will want to know that you have the income to support the whole of the mortgage payment by yourself.

A transfer of equity isn’t your only option. We list other potential solutions regarding separating with a joint mortgage in the next section.

What Can I Do if My Ex-Partner Stops Mortgage Payments After Separation?

Speak to your lender as soon as your ex-partner indicates they won’t be maintaining their share of the mortgage payment.

Lenders sometimes show leniency on cases where they’re kept updated. Some lenders may even consider reducing your monthly payments by converting to interest-only or extending the term.

Other options if your ex-partner stops paying the mortgage and a transfer of equity is refused include:

• Replacing the person leaving the joint mortgage with someone who can afford it
• Moving home and downsizing by selling the house and repaying the current mortgage. Note that neither party can sell without the agreement of the other - find out how much you could borrow on a new mortgage as a sole borrower with our calculator and compare fixed rate deals with our best buys
• Getting a court order to remove your partner from the title deeds but not the mortgage. They would have no further claim to the property but still be liable for the mortgage
• Taking out a remortgage deal in your name only if you meet the lender's mortgage affordability criteria

If you'd like to know more about your mortgage options, including remortgaging, moving home mortgage deals, replacing someone's name on the mortgage and more then get in touch on 0330 433 2927. We can help in all sorts of situations like if you require a self-employed mortgage, have bad credit, have a small deposit or something else.

You may want to speak with a free debt counselling organisation like Citizens Advice. They can advise you on any benefits you could be eligible for.

It’s also a good idea to consult a solicitor and arrange some mediation before you get to the point of missing payments.

Related Articles

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• Can I Get a New Joint Mortgage Even Though I'm Still on the Joint One with My Ex-Wife?
• Can I Remortgage Without My Partner's Consent?
• Can My Ex-Partner Remove My Name from the Mortgage Without My Permission?
• After Separation, Am I Classed as a First-Time Buyer Again for Mortgage Purposes?
• I'm About to Get Divorced. Can I Get a Mortgage Using the Maintenance Payments?
• Ex-Partner on Old Mortgage, We Want a New One
• What Can I Do if My Ex-Partner Stops Paying Their Share of the Mortgage After Separating?
• What Happens to My Mortgage After Getting a Divorce?
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