Strategic Solutions
Divorce & Separation Mortgage Structuring
Specialized mortgage solutions for one of life's most complex financial transitions. I work directly with family lawyers and their clients to structure buyouts, transfers, and new purchases — with clarity, discretion, and speed.
Mortgage Structuring During Separation Requires a Specialist
Separation and divorce create unique mortgage challenges that most lenders and many brokers are not equipped to handle. When a matrimonial home must be dealt with — whether through a buyout, a sale, or a transfer — the financing decisions have significant long-term financial consequences for both parties. I specialize in helping individuals navigate these transitions with clarity and confidence. Whether you need to buy out your former partner, qualify for a new purchase on a single income, or restructure existing debt as part of a separation agreement, I provide a structured, compassionate approach that protects your financial future. I also work directly with family lawyers across Ontario to ensure the mortgage strategy aligns with the legal separation agreement.
How Spousal Buyouts and Matrimonial Home Transfers Work
A spousal buyout occurs when one partner retains the matrimonial home and refinances to pay the other partner their share of the equity. This requires a full mortgage qualification on a single income, which can be complex — especially when income is from self-employment, support payments, or other non-traditional sources. I have deep experience structuring buyout files to maximize qualification potential while minimizing costs. Where possible, I leverage lender policies that recognize spousal support and child support as qualifying income immediately upon legal agreement, rather than waiting for tax documentation. This can dramatically accelerate the timeline and reduce stress for all parties. For clients who cannot qualify for a buyout, I also help structure bridge solutions or work with both parties on a coordinated sale and repurchase strategy.
Starting Fresh: New Purchase After Separation
Purchasing a new home following a separation is often emotionally and financially complex. Income may have changed. Debt obligations may have shifted. Credit could be impacted by joint accounts or missed payments during an already difficult period. I help separated clients understand exactly what they can qualify for under the new income and debt landscape, identify lender programs that accommodate recently separated applicants, and build a purchasing strategy that fits their new financial reality. Many clients are surprised to discover that qualifying on a single income — even with support obligations — is very achievable with the right lender and the right structuring. I work through the full picture with you and present a clear, honest roadmap.
How It Works
Our Step-by-Step Process
Confidential Strategy Call
We review your current mortgage situation, ownership structure, separation agreement status, and income profile in a private, no-pressure consultation.
Qualification Analysis
I analyze your ability to qualify for a buyout or new purchase under your post-separation income — including support payments, employment, and other income sources.
Lender Structuring
Your file is submitted to lenders with policies favorable to separation scenarios. I negotiate the strongest approval with optimal terms for your situation.
Legal Coordination
I work directly with your family lawyer to ensure mortgage timelines align with legal deadlines and the separation agreement is properly reflected in the financing.
Complex situations require strategic solutions. Let us structure the right one for you.
Is This Right For You
Who This Is For & What We Examine
Ideal Candidates
- Individuals buying out a former partner from the matrimonial home
- Those seeking a new purchase after separation on a single income
- Family lawyers needing a reliable mortgage partner for their clients
- Clients with self-employed income, support payments, or non-traditional income
- Anyone navigating joint mortgage removal or spousal transfer
- Clients with impacted credit due to joint accounts during separation
What We Review
- Current mortgage balance, lender, and terms
- Separation or divorce agreement (in progress or finalized)
- Spousal and child support obligations or income
- Employment, self-employment, or other income documentation
- Joint debts and liabilities to be addressed
- Credit bureau for both parties if applicable
- Property value and equity position
- Legal timelines and closing requirements
Working With Family Lawyers — A Mortgage Partner You Can Trust
I actively work with family law professionals across Ontario to provide reliable, timely mortgage assessments for their clients. A mortgage opinion provided early in the separation process can help clarify what is financially achievable — whether a buyout is viable, what equity can realistically be accessed, and how a new purchase might be structured. This can inform the negotiation and structuring of the separation agreement itself, saving time and avoiding impractical provisions that create problems later. I provide clear, written mortgage assessments that lawyers can rely on when advising clients. If you are a family lawyer looking for a trusted mortgage partner, I welcome the opportunity to build that relationship.
Support Income and Qualification — What You Need to Know
A common misconception is that spousal and child support payments cannot be used as income for mortgage qualification. In most cases, they can — provided the payments are legally documented, have been received consistently, and the lender is chosen strategically. Some lenders require 12 months of receipts while others accept a signed separation agreement as sufficient. Knowing which lender policy works best for your situation can be the difference between qualifying and not. I navigate this landscape daily and will find the right match for your income profile. The same applies to those paying support — obligations are factored into qualification, and I structure the file to minimize their impact where possible.
Watch Out
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming you can't qualify on a single income after separation
Auto-renewing the existing joint mortgage without exploring a buyout
Not involving a mortgage professional before finalizing the separation agreement
Waiting for the divorce to be finalized before seeking mortgage advice
Using a lender unfamiliar with separation scenarios and support income
Overlooking the option of a private bridge solution if timelines are tight
Serving All of Ontario
Available Across Ontario
We serve clients in every corner of Ontario. Whether you are in the heart of Toronto or in a smaller community, our mortgage solutions are available to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Rates, terms, and eligibility criteria are subject to change and vary by lender. All mortgage approvals are subject to lender underwriting criteria and conditions. Steven Himelfarb, Mortgage Agent Level 2 (Lic. #M19002406) | Integrity Tree Mortgages Inc. o/a Integrity Tree Financial (Brokerage Lic. #12963). Licensed and regulated by the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA).
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