30 May 2015

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Family Law
Federal

Asked

We currently act for the wife who, as a result of a Family Court Order, will have the ownership of the matrimonial home transferred solely into her name subject to the existing mortgage. The husband has refused to signed the Transfer of Land. We have sent the Transfer of Land to have the Registrar of the Court sign accordingly. The property is now on the market and when sold the outgoing mortgagee will require a Discharge Authority to be signed by both mortgagors.

In light of the husband not co-operating or having legal representation, can the Registrar of the Court also sign the Discharge Authority?

Answered

The requirement of a signed Discharge Authority is a sensible one, but is a requirement within the lender's discretion. Explaining the situation and providing a copy of the court order should be sufficient to persuade the lender to dispense with the signed authority.

Alternatively an attempt to have the Registrar sign an Authority at the same time as signing the Transfer could be made. Failing that, a further application to the court may be necessary.

Regards Mentor