In this episode of the Children First Family Law® podcast, Krista opens the first installment of a recurring series on divorce and money, an area she rarely tackles but one that powerfully shapes children’s lives. To launch the series, she welcomes Colorado-based mortgage and divorce finance expert Todd Huetner, known nationally as the “divorce CFO.” With more than two decades of experience in lending, divorce finance, and collaborative family law, Todd guides families and professionals through the financial realities of housing decisions during separation and divorce.
Krista frames the conversation around a simple truth: housing stability profoundly influences children’s well-being. Whether parents keep the home, sell it, or relocate, financial planning directly affects where children sleep, how often they move, and whether parents can sustainably maintain two households. Todd explains that families often wait too long to explore housing options, which can limit choices, increase stress, and lead to preventable long-term consequences. Beginning early gives parents time to identify credit issues, gather documentation, understand real options, and reduce the fear that comes from not knowing what lies ahead.
Todd breaks down five common types of income that affect the ability to assume or refinance a mortgage in divorce: earned income, retirement/investment income, court-ordered support, co-signers, and creative trust structures. He explains how temporary maintenance, even at a very low amount, can start critical qualification timelines. He also addresses widespread misconceptions, such as the belief that a loan cannot be assumed, taking advice from lenders who provide incomplete information, and assuming a disadvantaged spouse cannot qualify for a mortgage. Many families unknowingly leave life-changing opportunities on the table.
Krista and Todd also discuss the real impact of relocation. When a parent cannot afford to remain in a community, the resulting move can disrupt children’s support systems, educational stability, and relationship with the other parent. Todd notes that short-term strategies, like staying in the home for a limited period, delaying a move, or restructuring assets creatively, can preserve options while reducing the likelihood of multiple relocations.
In the second half of the conversation, Todd turns to professionals—attorneys, mediators, and mental health experts—who often unintentionally limit their clients’ options by relying on assumptions or failing to understand how mortgage underwriting works. He emphasizes the importance of early consultation, correct terminology, precise drafting in separation agreements, and asking the right questions rather than the most obvious ones. A small oversight can cost a family tens of thousands of dollars or eliminate the possibility of homeownership entirely.
This episode gives parents and professionals a roadmap to approaching financial and housing decisions with clarity, creativity, and an eye toward children’s long-term stability.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Early steps that expand housing options during divorce
- Types of income lenders can (and can’t) use during mortgage qualification
- Hidden pitfalls in assumptions, refinancing, and temporary maintenance
- How relocation pressures affect children when housing decisions go wrong
Resources from this Episode
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.
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