My mother and Stepfather have been separated for 5 years with no contact. Both are on the deed- can she get a reverse mortgage?

There are provisions in the reverse mortgage guidelines for what is called a "non-borrowing spouse" however, your mother will not be able to do anything without the cooperation of your step father. Since he is still on the deed she would not be able to take out any type of mortgage or even sell the house without his cooperation.

Your Step Father still has a marital interest in the home and will have to sign some of the docs associated with the reverse mortgage for your Mom.

If his daughter is willing to sign a deed removing her Dad from title, then Mom may be able to proceed with the reverse mortgage. Sounds like you may want to consult an atty that knows more about real estate law in that particular state. Weather has been great in the Midwest so far this year but snow is around the corner!!

Not without his signature.. He still has a marital interest in the property and the deed cannot transfer nor can it be encumbered without his written consent... There are ways to get him off the deed if you cannot locate him... (Quite Deed, or Quite Title), but I would suggest you talk to an attorney before perusing any of these types of strategies.. I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. William J. Acres, Lender411's number ONE lender in Arizona. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com NMLS# 226347

I am assuming you are wanting to use a reverse mortgage in regards to refinancing. The stepfather should be located, because since he is still on title he does have marital interest. If the separation was legal, all the documentation would also have to be submitted. With the stepfather on the current deed, he has rights to the proceeds. Also recent changes in the reverse mortgage product do look at income and overall credit report in more detail.