How Do I Refinance My Mortgage After Divorce in Washington?

Refinancing after a divorce in Washington removes your former spouse from the mortgage and transfers full ownership to the spouse keeping the home. The retaining spouse must qualify for the new loan on their own income, which can include court-ordered alimony or child support if it is documented in the decree and expected to continue for at least three years. A cash-out refinance is often used to fund an equity buyout — pulling out enough equity to pay the departing spouse their share of the home's value. Timing matters: Washington is a community property state, so coordinating the refinance with your settlement timeline and the language in your decree is critical. As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP), Joshua Donion structures the refinance so it aligns with your settlement and protects both parties.