Separation / divorce

Keeping the house after a separation — it's possible.

A separation is rarely the right time to shop a mortgage. Yet that's exactly when the right choices matter: partner buyout, refinancing, single-income qualification, timing with your spouse. An AMF mortgage broker experienced in these files makes all the difference.

What likely concerns you

• Calculating how much you need to buy from your ex (50% of net equity generally in Quebec, unless contrary agreement).
• Qualifying on your single income — often the main challenge vs the combined income before.
• Choosing between immediate refinance (with possible penalty) or waiting for renewal (no penalty).
• Integrating alimony received/paid in capacity calculation (significant impact on TDS ratio).
• Managing timing with the lawyer or notary — buyout signature must coincide with new loan disbursement.
• Avoiding blocking your credit score with late payments during transition (payments still on both names until ex is legally removed).

What we avoid for you

• Letting you believe you can just "transfer the loan to your name" without qualification — legally false, it's a new loan.
• Presenting you a single bank that will refuse your single-income file when a B lender would accept with adjustments.
• Letting you pay the IRD penalty if waiting for renewal (12-18 months) is feasible.
• Complicating the process while you handle separation emotions — we simplify maximally.

How it works for you

1. 1

   Pre-qualification 2 min

   You indicate your situation: amicable / contested separation, child custody, intent on the house.

2. 2

   Coordinator calls you

   30 min — we map your situation: current loan, equity, income, alimony, term maturity.

3. 3

   Specialized AMF broker

   A network broker who regularly handled post-separations contacts you. Maximum confidentiality.

4. 4

   Structured financing plan

   The broker models 2-3 scenarios (immediate refi vs at renewal, A vs B lender depending on your income) with total costs compared.

Frequent questions — separation/divorce

• How much do I need to buy from my ex?

  Unless contrary agreement, in Quebec for married or civil union, sharing is generally 50/50 of net value (market value - mortgage balance). For common-law partners, depends on your agreement and who contributed to purchase. A family law attorney calculates precisely. The AMF broker uses this figure to structure financing.

• Does alimony count in my income to qualify?

  Alimony received: 100% counted if paid for 6+ months AND court order or notarized agreement. Alimony paid: DEDUCTED from your available income (mandatory payment). The broker optimizes per each lender's specific rules.

• Does my ex have to sign for me to refinance?

  Yes for the discharge of the old loan (both names on current title). No for the new loan in your sole name. Coordinate signatures with a notary — usually done the same day as the buyout signature.

• Can I wait until end of term to avoid the IRD penalty?

  If you remain on good terms with your ex and can wait 12-18 months without blocking the separation, yes — often the best financial option (saving $5,000-$15,000). The broker models comparative costs.

• My credit score suffered from the separation. Recoverable?

  Yes but takes time. If recent late payments (under 12 months), A lenders difficult. B lenders (alternative) are a short-term solution with plan to return to A lender in 24 months. The broker builds the complete exit plan.

• Will my name and situation be sent to the network brokers?

  No — not until you accept a match. Courteo collects a minimum of information (situation, city, file order of magnitude) and a network AMF broker first receives an anonymized summary. You stay in control: until you say yes, your full name and contact details are not transmitted. Details on /confidentialite.

• Is family mediation required before refinancing?

  No, not to refinance. Mediation is encouraged in Quebec (5 free sessions for parents with children) to agree on asset division, including the house. Once the agreement is signed (mediator, notary, or court ruling), the AMF broker uses this agreement to structure the buyout. Refinancing before a written agreement is risky.

• What if my ex refuses to sign the discharge?

  Without your ex's signature on the discharge of the old loan, your new lender cannot remove the existing mortgage. Possible recourses: mediation, formal demand via lawyer, family court order. This step is legal before being mortgage-related — the AMF broker coordinates with your notary or lawyer but cannot resolve it alone.