Mortgage Guidance During Life's Transitions
Going through a divorce or separation in Calgary or Alberta? We help you understand whether you can keep the home, buy out your spouse, or sell and move on, with complete confidentiality.
The short answer
When you separate in Alberta, the mortgage stays in both names until it is refinanced, paid out or the home is sold. To keep the home, one spouse usually refinances into their own name and pays out the other's equity, qualifying on their own income (documented support can count). Some insured spousal buyout programs allow borrowing up to 95% of the home's value. Talk to a broker before the settlement is final so the numbers shape the agreement.
Lacroix Mortgage Group is a Calgary mortgage team licensed with and powered by Mortgage Connection Inc., a mortgage brokerage licensed in Alberta by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA), and part of the DLCG network. Our brokers are individually licensed. See licence details.
How We Help You Through This
- 1
Confidential Consultation
A private, judgment free conversation about your situation, mortgage and finances.
- 2
Explore Your Options
Keep the home, buy out your spouse, or sell. We show what each option requires.
- 3
Work With Your Lawyer
We work with your lawyer so the mortgage matches your separation agreement.
- 4
Secure Your Future
We finalize the mortgage that supports your legal and financial plan.
Your Mortgage Options During Divorce in Alberta
Keep the Home
One spouse refinances into their name and buys out the other's equity share, qualifying on a single income.
Sell and Divide
Often the cleanest option. We show each person what they walk away with and plan their next purchase.
Co-Own Temporarily
Some couples co-own for a time. Both stay responsible for the mortgage, so a clear exit plan matters.
Why Work With Us During Divorce
- Confidential, compassionate guidance
- A clear answer on whether you can afford to keep the home
- Spousal buyout calculations and refinance options
- Options for qualifying on a single income
- Coordination with your lawyer or mediator
- Lenders that understand separation files
Request a Confidential Consultation
Private and no obligation, even if you're early in the process.
The Complete Guide to Mortgages During Divorce
Keeping vs selling, spousal buyouts, qualifying on one income, and timing decisions with your separation agreement in Alberta.
Read the Complete Guide →Questions About Mortgages During Separation
What happens to the mortgage when we separate in Alberta?
The mortgage stays in place until it is refinanced, paid out or the home is sold. Both of you usually stay legally responsible until you are removed from the title and the mortgage, which takes coordination with your lawyer.
Complete divorce mortgage guide → Can one spouse keep the house and remove the other from the mortgage?
Yes, if the spouse keeping the home qualifies on their own. This usually means refinancing to remove the other person from the mortgage and title. Income, credit and the buyout amount all affect approval, and the new mortgage must match the separation agreement.
Do I have to refinance to buy out my spouse in Alberta?
Usually, yes. A refinance lets you access equity to pay your spouse's share and remove them from the mortgage. Some insured spousal buyout programs allow borrowing up to 95% of the home's value with a signed separation agreement, which can make keeping the home possible with less equity.
Is it better to sell or keep the house after separation?
Selling gives a clean break. Keeping the home means qualifying on one income and refinancing. The right answer depends on your finances, children, support payments and readiness. There is no single correct answer.
Sell vs keep → How do I qualify for a mortgage on a single income after separation?
Lenders look at your own income, debts and credit. Spousal or child support you receive can count as income if it is documented and will continue. Paying down debts and having a signed separation agreement both help.
When should I talk to a mortgage broker during separation?
As early as possible, ideally before decisions about the home are final. Knowing your mortgage options can shape the settlement and prevent surprises.
What documents do I need to refinance during divorce in Alberta?
Your separation agreement, proof of income, current mortgage statement, a property valuation and ID. If support is involved, the court order or signed agreement.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
A confidential conversation helps you understand your mortgage options.
Or call (403) 648-1541