Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.
‘My boyfriend and I have been together for almost two years. He is still technically married. He and his wife started a legal separation in December of 2009, however, they never finished the process (due to financial reasons). Now, we want to buy a house together, but the lender said that no one will consider giving us a loan because of the fact that he is still married according to the state of California. Is an inter-spousal agreement sufficient for his (soon-to-be) ex-wife to sign, or do they have to finish the legal separation? Help please!’Unfortunately, these are questions that you will have to direct to the lender, because the answers aren’t legal.
Question: Your boyfriend is married. The law recognizes only two statuses: married and unmarried, and if the divorce isn’t final then he’s married, period. You didn’t say exactly what the reason is that he didn’t finalize his divorce, but you may be in a position where you need to decide between the value of those reasons and the value of getting a mortgage.There is no law saying that a lender has to lend money in particular circumstances (except for illegal discrimination). Lenders can and do set up-and frequently change-the criteria under which they will lend
money. For married people, particularly from a community property state such as California, it is typical for lenders to require a spouse to at least sign off on a loan, if not be an applicant.
Answer:
The question of what they will accept to move the loan process forward is one that only the lender can answer. Don’t be surprised, however, if the answer is different depending on the lender. Different
lenders have different policies, though right now most lenders are much more strict than they used to be.
