0
Generally, in a community property state ( Arizona included), the debts of the married non purchasing spouse may have to be included for mortgage qualification. There are complex rules that may allow an exemption based on when ( and what state) the prior marriage was dissolved but they are very limited in scope. Also,if the non-purchasing spouse has co-mingled or joint bank accounts with the purchasing spouse that clearly show the child support is paid through one of the joint accounts,the child support most likely will be considered by the underwriter in the overall debt ratios of the purchasing spouse. If you provided these joint bank statements showing the child support payments were/are paid from the co-mingled/joint bank accounts, the underwriter will very probably require the debt to be included. To offset this, consider having the non-purchasing spouse become a co-borrower if he/she has qualified income and/or assets and acceptable credit.
12 months ago
Daryle Messina
said:
Joseph, Thank you for the input. Here’s my frustration. They file separate tax returns and keep separate bank. In addition, the support is garnished from the non-purchasing spouses paycheck. I have researched this in detail and I’m being told the non-purchasing spouses debt must be included because it’s child support and is treated differently than say a credit card. Clearly it’s a bit frustrating when the U/W is declining the file yet can’t provide any specific guideline stating that child support is treated differently. Should you or anyone have any additional comments. I would appreciate the feedback. Unfortunately the non-purchasing spouse is unable to qualify. To make matters worse my U/W apparently is being told the same thing by a HUD underwriter.
FHA loan in which the non-purchasing spouse pays child support. I’m being told by my FHA underwriter that I must include the Child Support Obligation in the spouses debt to income ratio. The purchase is taking place in AZ.
2