I’m in the process of refinancing my home and provided the lender with my complete divorce documents and the settlement from 9 years ago. Why are they requesting a copy of the marriage license too? I’ve been the only owner of the house for 12 years, and my ex was never on the loan or deed. The divorce papers clearly list both the marriage and dissolution dates. This doesn’t make sense to me.
I work in title, and the only reason I can think of is they need proof of your name change.
Ollie said:
I work in title, and the only reason I can think of is they need proof of your name change.
Wouldn’t that be in the marriage certificate? Name changes happen after the wedding, and post-divorce changes are separate documents. It’s strange to ask for the marriage license unless you’re actually getting married.
@Noah
It’s pretty standard practice in my field to ask for the marriage license since it shows the maiden name and verifies the reason for the name change. Post-divorce name changes vary by state; some states handle everything in one document, while others separate them.
It could just be someone working off a checklist. This happens a lot. If a box isn’t checked, they get marked down during a review, even if other documents cover the info.
Xen said:
It could just be someone working off a checklist. This happens a lot. If a box isn’t checked, they get marked down during a review, even if other documents cover the info.
Exactly. It’s all about the checklist. You can fight it (and you’d be right) or just provide the document. Depends on how much your time is worth.
Are you living in a community property state?
It’s easier to just provide it than argue about it online. Just saying.
Peyton said:
It’s easier to just provide it than argue about it online. Just saying.
There’s rarely a legitimate reason for needing a marriage license for a divorce situation unless the underwriter isn’t competent. The divorce decree and settlement should be enough.
Peyton said:
It’s easier to just provide it than argue about it online. Just saying.
Why would they even ask? I’ve never needed that for refinancing my own home. Guidelines don’t support this. Underwriters are wrong on this one.
@Toryn
I’m not saying they’re right—it’s just poor service from the underwriter. You can either argue for hours or spend a few minutes providing the paper.
Are you currently remarried? Maybe they’re asking for your current marriage license?
Reagan said:
Are you currently remarried? Maybe they’re asking for your current marriage license?
Marriage certificate and marriage license are two different things. I think they’re confused.
Is this for a VA loan?
This isn’t typically needed. Are there any shared debts that might be involved? If not, they shouldn’t need the marriage license.
Gale said:
This isn’t typically needed. Are there any shared debts that might be involved? If not, they shouldn’t need the marriage license.
A marriage license is only for the wedding itself. It’s not used for anything after that.
Did you change your name when you got married? Sometimes they just want to fill in the timeline. Just because they know your ex isn’t on the property doesn’t mean he never had a potential claim.
Penn said:
Did you change your name when you got married? Sometimes they just want to fill in the timeline. Just because they know your ex isn’t on the property doesn’t mean he never had a potential claim.
Wouldn’t a marriage certificate be what they need instead of a license?
Sometimes people don’t know what they’re doing and just make stuff up to look like they do.
Hello! I work in title. They may want the license because the divorce is public, but the settlement isn’t. They need to review to confirm that nothing in the agreement affects ownership or sale rights.