Can I refinance without approval from my ex-spouse?
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Can I refinance without approval from my ex-spouse?
My ex-spouse and I purchased a house together 9 years ago. She moved out 4 years later and we were divorced 4 years ago. Ownership of the house was not addressed in the divorce papers but we filed a quit claim deed with the county where she voluntarily relinquished her rights to the house. However, her name is still attached to the mortgage loan. All mortgage payments and home improvements for the past 5 years have been paid by me from accounts solely belonging to me. I would like to refinance the mortgage in my name only. Do I need her approval?
Asked on November 12, 2018 under Real Estate Law, Nevada
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
If you are now the sole owner of the property (as your question indicates), you may refinance in you name only without her consent or approval. You cannot obligate someone against their will or without their consent, but that's not what you are doing here; in fact, you are doing the opposite and eliminating her obligation by paying off (through refinancing) the loan on which she is on. No approval is needed to pay off the loan for her.
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