Richard Woodward | (214) 945-1066

Can I Buy a New House Before My Divorce Is Final in Texas?

Yes, it may be possible to qualify for and purchase another home before your Texas divorce is final. But being separated does not automatically separate your finances for mortgage purposes, and buying too soon without coordinating your mortgage and divorce strategies can create problems you didn’t expect. This question comes up constantly. You’re separated. You’ve…

What Happens If My Ex-Spouse Won't Refinance the House After Divorce

The short answer: if your name is still on the mortgage, you’re generally still responsible to the lender—even if your Texas divorce decree says your ex-spouse is supposed to refinance the house. This is one of those situations where divorce law and mortgage lending can collide. I’ve had people call me and say, “Richard, my…

Can I Buy My Ex-Spouse Out of the House If I Don't Have Cash

The short answer is yes—in many Texas divorces, you may be able to buy out your ex-spouse’s share of the home’s equity without writing a large personal check. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is: “Richard, I’d love to keep the house, but I don’t have $150,000 sitting in the bank to buy out…

What If I Can't Qualify for the Mortgage on My Own After Divorce

The short answer is this: Don’t assume you won’t qualify until you’ve had a complete mortgage review with me. This is probably the biggest fear I hear from homeowners going through a divorce. “Richard, I’ve never qualified on my own. I don’t think I can keep the house.” Sometimes that concern is valid. But many…

Should We Sell the House or Refinance During Divorce

The short answer is this: There isn’t one right answer—but there is a right answer for your situation. One of the first questions I ask homeowners during a divorce consultation is, “What do you want your life to look like one year from now?” Most people think the conversation starts with interest rates or mortgage…

What if the most important document in your divorce isn’t the final decree, but the divorce lending strategy you build before you ever step into a courtroom? With nearly 70% of divorces involving the division of real estate, the stakes for your family home are incredibly high. You might be lying awake wondering if you…

Can I keep my low interest rate after a divorce

The short answer is: maybe—but it depends on your loan, your lender, and how your divorce is structured. One of the first concerns I hear from homeowners going through a divorce is, “Richard, I have a 2.75% interest rate. Am I going to lose it?” It’s a great question, and it’s one that’s become much…

Should you remove your ex-spouse from the mortgage before or after divorce

The short answer is yes—if possible, you should understand your mortgage options before your divorce is finalized, not after. One of the first questions people ask me during a divorce consultation is, “Richard, when should I remove my ex from the mortgage?” Unfortunately, many people don’t ask that question until it’s too late. After more…

One of the most common questions I hear from homeowners going through divorce is: “Can I refinance before the divorce is final?” The short answer is:Sometimes — but it depends on timing, the divorce agreement, and how the mortgage is being structured. In Texas, divorce refinances can become complicated quickly if the mortgage strategy is…

If you’re going through a divorce in Texas—or advising someone who is (this is meant for your divorce attorneys)—understanding the difference between a cash-out refinance and a rate-and-term refinance isn’t just helpful. It can directly impact: Whether the home can be kept How much equity can be accessed And how much the loan will cost…