Divorce Lending
In a divorce, the mortgage decisions matter as much as the legal ones. Bri is one of the few Oregon CDLPs who works both sides of that math — so you come out with the house handled and your options intact.
Overview
Divorce changes everything about your financial picture — including your mortgage. Who keeps the house? Can one spouse qualify alone? How does an equity buyout work? What happens to your credit? These questions need answers before the divorce decree is finalized, not after. As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®), Bri Lindley works alongside divorce attorneys, mediators, and financial planners to ensure mortgage-related decisions are made with full information. This isn't about selling you a loan — it's about making sure the settlement agreement is financially realistic and that both parties can actually execute the plan. CDLP® is a registered certification mark of the Divorce Lending Association.
Who It's For
How It Works
Confidential Consultation
We start with a private conversation about your situation. No judgment, no pressure. We need to understand the full financial picture before making any recommendations.
Mortgage Analysis
We analyze both parties' ability to qualify independently. This includes income, credit, debts, and equity position. We produce a Real Property Detail Report for your attorney.
Settlement Support
We work with your legal team to ensure the mortgage-related terms of the settlement are realistic and executable. This prevents agreements that look good on paper but can't actually be funded.
Execution
Once the divorce is finalized, we execute the mortgage plan — whether that's an equity buyout refinance, a new purchase, or both.
Requirements
These are general guidelines, not a quote or commitment to lend. Actual terms depend on credit approval, income, and underwriting — not all applicants will qualify, and programs and requirements are subject to change without notice. Through Movement Mortgage we have access to additional programs with different requirements. Contact David & Bri for options specific to your situation.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Considerations
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Quick estimate
Estimate your monthly payment
Estimated monthly payment
$3,490
30-year fixed at 6.875%
FAQ
8 questions
What is a CDLP and why does it matter?
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A Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) has specialized training in the intersection of mortgage lending and divorce proceedings. Most loan officers don't understand how divorce settlements, alimony, child support, and property division affect mortgage qualification. A CDLP® does — and can prevent costly mistakes that a regular lender would miss.
Can I keep the house in a divorce?
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Possibly — but it depends on whether you can qualify for the mortgage on your own income, afford the equity buyout payment to your spouse, and handle the ongoing costs of homeownership solo. We'll run the numbers honestly and tell you whether it's realistic.
How does an equity buyout work?
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In an equity buyout, one spouse refinances the mortgage into their name only and pays the other spouse their share of the equity. For example, if the home is worth $600,000 with a $300,000 mortgage, there's $300,000 in equity. Each spouse's share is $150,000. The keeping spouse would refinance for $450,000 ($300,000 existing mortgage + $150,000 buyout).
Should I talk to a CDLP before or after my divorce is finalized?
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Before — ideally during the settlement negotiation phase. Too many people finalize divorce agreements with mortgage terms that can't actually be executed. Getting a CDLP involved early ensures the settlement is financially realistic.
Will divorce hurt my credit score?
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Divorce itself doesn't affect credit, but the financial disruption often does. Late payments on joint accounts, increased debt-to-income ratios, and closing joint accounts can all impact scores. We can help you understand the credit implications and plan accordingly.
Can I use alimony or child support as income to qualify?
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Yes, in most cases — if you can document that you'll receive it for at least 3 more years and that it's been consistently paid. We know exactly how different lenders treat these income sources.
What if my spouse won't cooperate with the refinance?
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The divorce decree can compel cooperation, but timing and logistics matter. We work with your attorney to ensure the decree includes specific, actionable mortgage language that protects you.
How long after divorce can I buy a new home?
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You can start the process immediately after the divorce is finalized. In some cases, we can even begin pre-approval during the divorce if the terms are clear enough. The key is having a finalized decree that shows your income, debts, and obligations clearly.
Ready to explore divorce lending?
Schedule a complimentary consultation. We'll review your situation and tell you honestly whether this is the right move.