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Published on:

9th May 2023

Splitting the House: Navigating the Complexities of Divorce and Real Estate

Today we are joined by Brett Leschinsky, a loan officer specializing in divorce. Brett shared some incredible information about navigating the complexities of divorce and real estate. He walks through what information mortgage professionals need in the divorce decree, how to qualify for a new home loan or refinance using child support and spousal support, and how to keep your current interest rate when taking over the mortgage. Tune in for the creative tips he has to make home buying or refinancing simple post-divorce. 

In this episode:

[2:08] What led Brett to go into his field of work helping divorced people? [7:03] What do mortgage professionals need to see in the divorce decree? [11:25] How can child support or maintenance be used to qualify for a mortgage/refinance? [17:16] What’s the difference between the title and the mortgage? [20:00] Why would you leave both names on the title? [21:47] When can you purchase a new home post-divorce? [24:44] Can you get a co-signer to qualify for a new mortgage post-divorce? [25:57] Can you keep your interest rate when refinancing? 

Key Takeaways: 

The divorce decree trumps the credit report that shows you still owe house debt. Ensure the divorce decree states that the spouse is indemnified and held harmless, so when they purchase a new home, they can show the credit report is no longer valid. The payments must come in for at least six months to use child support or spousal maintenance to qualify for a home. There are specific ways to set up accounts for using this income at the time of the finalized divorce. There are many ways to get creative to qualify to buy a new home and do so before six months to a year. Working with a mortgage professional specializing in this space will be able to look at creative solutions such as child support, spousal support, how accounts are set up, etc. 

Quotes: 

“So I'll get an attorney that'll call me that'll say, Hey Brett, I thought you said, you know that if this indemnification wording is in there, they can go buy a house. And I'll say, yeah. And they say, well, their loan officer is telling them that they have to use that debt against them. And that's just one of those scenarios where the mortgage loan officers who aren't specializing in this.” - Brett Leschinsky

“So take the stay-at-home parent or the parent who has a part-time job, but they're looking for full-time work, but they don't wanna wait to purchase a house. They don't want to move twice. This house that came up is perfect. A co-signer can help bridge that gap and often does help bridge that gap. We do a lot of co-signers, so it's just something that people don't think of too much. If they think, well, I don't have the income to qualify, so I'm just gonna have to rent, but thinking about the co-signer helps a lot.”  - Brett Leschinsky

Guest Bio: 

Brett Leschinsky (pronounced Luh-shin-ski) hd guest on WCCO’s Real Estate Radio Hour to discuss common mistakes divorcing has been a respected mortgage professional for over 20 years, and he specializes in home mortgage transactions surrounding divorce. Brett has been a featureouples make with their home mortgage, and he regularly speaks to Family Law groups and firms to provide continuing education credits for divorce attorneys.

Resources: 

Brett Leschinsky CrossCountryMortgage

Brett Leschinsky Facebook

Brett Leschinsky LinkedIn

Lesa Koski Website

Lesa’s Online Courses To receive real-time alerts that your child is safe and to receive $50 off your Soberlink device, visit https://www.soberlink.com/partners/different
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About the Podcast

Doing Divorce Different A Podcast Guide to Doing Divorce Differently
Divorce, co-parenting, menopause, marriage, and starting over after 40—Doing Divorce Different is your guide to a healthy, faith filled life transition.

Hosted by Family Law Attorney and Mediator Lesa Koski, Doing Divorce Different is a candid, empowering podcast designed to take the fear out of divorce and guide you toward peace—whether you’re navigating a split, working to stay married, or rebuilding a better life after a major transition. Each week, Lesa brings heart-centered legal insight, emotional support, and holistic wisdom to help you heal, grow, and thrive.

We cover everything from amicable divorce and co-parenting strategies to parenting plans that actually work and support kids in thriving through change. You’ll learn how to prepare for marriage with prenups, revisit your relationship with post-nuptial agreements, and understand what it really takes to stay married or rekindle love after a rough season. If you're in the midst of a grey divorce, wondering how to not get divorced, or questioning whether love can be found again, this show is for you.

Lesa also explores the emotional and physical changes that often accompany midlife and major life shifts. From navigating the impact of menopause on your health, marriage, and mood, to dealing with the loneliness that can come after divorce or empty nesting, you’ll find honest conversations that don’t shy away from real-life challenges. And for those of you in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you’ll discover what it means to truly build a better life after 40.

Health and wellness are deeply integrated into this journey. Lesa shares insights on the benefits of rest, joy, nutrition, fasting, protein, and bone health, along with the power of movement, community, and exercise to support mental clarity and physical strength. You’ll learn how to take care of yourself with intention—because healing isn’t just emotional, it’s also biological.

Mindset work and self-coaching are recurring tools offered in episodes to help you reframe your story and shift from fear to freedom. And through it all, the show honors the role of faith, spiritual surrender, and letting God lead you through every season. Whether you're leaning into your relationship with God for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, you’ll hear how surrender can bring peace even in the hardest moments.

You’ll hear real stories from people who have done divorce differently, saved their marriages, or found new love and purpose on the other side. Lesa also brings in conversations about marriages that have stood the test of time, co-parenting through complex seasons, and the realities of parenting after separation while maintaining stability for your kids.

This is not just a podcast about divorce. Doing Divorce Different is about taking back your life, rewriting your future, and trusting that you’re not starting over, you’re starting better. If you’re craving practical advice, soul-level encouragement, and real conversations about creating a healthy, joyful, purpose-driven life, you’ve found your community.

Subscribe now and join Lesa Koski for weekly episodes that will help you grow stronger in your relationships, your health, and your faith, no matter where you’re starting from.

About the Host:
I’ve spent over 25 years helping families navigate amicable divorce as a lawyer and mediator, always focused on protecting what matters most—your kids and your peace of mind. But my mission has expanded. Today, I support women over 40 not just through endings, but in building stronger relationships—and sometimes even saving their marriages. I’m a breast cancer survivor, a cowgirl at heart, a wellness advocate, and a follower of Jesus. My life and faith fuel my passion for helping women thrive.

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Lesa Koski