What to do when ex stops paying their half of the mortgage?

Going through a divorce is never easy, and when it involves shared finances like a mortgage, things can get even more complicated. If you’re in a situation where your ex-partner has stopped paying their share of the mortgage, you’re likely feeling a bit stuck and unsure of what to do next. While every case is different, there are a few things you *might* consider to help manage the situation.

What if Your Ex-Partner Stops Paying the Mortgage?

First, we’d like you to know that this is not an exhaustive list or legal advice, and just provides general ideas. It’s worth speaking to a qualified legal professional.

One common issue people face after separation is when an ex-partner stops contributing to the mortgage. If this happens, you may find yourself in a tricky spot, especially if you’re still living in the property or jointly responsible for the payments. Missing mortgage payments could lead to more serious issues down the line, like the possibility of a forced sale if things aren’t sorted quickly.

A good first step is to get in touch with your lender. While they may not *have to* offer leniency, some banks may be willing to work with you to find a temporary solution. This might include reducing your payments for a while, switching to interest-only repayments, or offering a short-term mortgage holiday. None of these options are guaranteed, but they’re worth discussing with your lender to see what’s possible.

Possible Options When Your Ex Stops Paying the Mortgage

If your ex has stopped paying the mortgage, there are a few longer-term options you might want to explore. Keep in mind that these are just *possibilities*—nothing is set in stone, and what works for one person may not be right for another.

Refinance the mortgage: If you’re able to afford the mortgage on your own, refinancing it under your name alone or with a new co-borrower could be an option. However, this depends on your financial situation and whether the lender is on board. If not, and you are able to possibly refinance with a new partner and your ex partner is in agreement, we might be able to organise a loan for this. We could also organise this with another bank or lender, if your current lender is not agreeable to it. Information that may be required include a standard application, income details, bank statements, and so forth. Naturally, it’ll also typically go through financial assessment by the lender(s).

Sell the property: Sometimes, selling the home and downsizing to something more affordable is the most practical choice, especially if you can’t manage the payments by yourself.

Legal involvement: In some cases, you might be able to seek help from the courts if your ex is refusing to contribute to the mortgage. But legal proceedings can be time-consuming and the outcome may not be what you expect, so this is something to possibly think through carefully.

It’s important to note that these are just a few examples—there could be other solutions depending on your circumstances. This list isn’t exhaustive, and each situation is different.

Speak to the Experts

If you’re dealing with an ex-partner who isn’t paying their share of the mortgage, it’s a good idea to speak to a lawyer who specialises in family or property law. They can help you understand your rights and what options are available to you. A financial adviser or debt counsellor might also be able to offer some guidance on how to manage things in the meantime, especially when it comes to talking to your lender.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach here, and getting professional advice will help you make the best decisions for your situation.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

If possible, try to keep communication open with your ex-partner. It’s not always easy, especially if the split wasn’t friendly, but having a conversation about what happens next can sometimes prevent things from getting worse. If that’s not an option, legal advice can help you figure out your next steps.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a mortgage when your ex-partner has stopped paying can feel overwhelming, but there are options to explore. Whether it’s contacting your lender, looking into refinancing, or seeking legal guidance, every situation is different. It’s always a good idea to get expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Remember, this is just a starting point, and there may be other avenues to consider.

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This website/media/content (“content”) may not be an accurate representation of what actually may/may not happen in a situation. It is not necessarily the actions you should or should not take. Furthermore, it is not necessarily accurate. You should normally seek highly qualified personal advice specific to your circumstances, which this is not. This content is provided as a general guide and is not personalised advice. Furthermore, is not intended as personal financial advice, nor is it specific advice to your situation. The author has produced this in good faith and disclaims any liability from any action or inaction from how you may use this content or the results it may or may not achieve. Government, bank, company, insurer, lending policies, as well as other policies, procedures, laws, legal procedures, and information in this content are likely to also change from time to time, and/or may not be accurate for any reason. Rules, procedures and decisions and policies may be applied differently and/or on a case-by-case basis and/or not in the manner described in this content. The information may also change from the approximate time this was written. You are strongly encouraged to recheck if all information is accurate and up to date. By reading and using this content, you agree to hold the author, associated entities and/or associates, harmless.