Baltimore, MD asked in Divorce and Real Estate Law for Maryland

Q: Can my ex husband who isn’t on the mortgage take over? We just got divorced

He isn’t on the loan but my name and his name is both on the deed. My name is only on the loan. How does this work if he want to take over the loan? He keeps telling me he can just take over the mortgage loan

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1 Lawyer Answer
Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
Answered
  • Crownsville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: Generally speaking someone cannot transfer ownership of property without paying off the mortgage balance in full. However, things are a bit different for a husband and wife. A federal law called the Garn St. Germain Act allows a spouse to essentially take over a mortgage for a home if they are given ownership by deed. However note that unless the parties go through a formal assumption process with the lender the original borrower will remain legally liable.

While not legal advice I hope this general information helps.

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