By Tyler Plack
Tyler Plack is the Chief Executive Officer of South River Mortgage. He joined the company as a founding employee in 2017 and served as President before becoming CEO in 2026. Tyler holds an active FHA Direct Endorsement (DE) underwriting certification.
A bankruptcy history calls for an individual review before a lender can answer whether a reverse mortgage is available. A discharge document or calculator estimate is not a loan approval. Start with your case records and ask which requirements apply to the loan you are considering.
In this article5 sections
Separate the court questions from the loan questions
Ask your bankruptcy attorney to explain your case status, any orders that affect borrowing and any unresolved property questions. Ask the lender which documents it needs to review a proposed reverse mortgage. Do not assume that information about a different mortgage product establishes the answer for a HECM.
The U.S. Courts explanation of bankruptcy discharge distinguishes discharge of personal liability from liens that may remain against property. An attorney can explain what the records mean for your situation.
Prepare for the conversation
| Topic | Questions to prepare |
|---|---|
| Case records | What documents show the chapter, current status and any discharge or dismissal? |
| Proposed borrowing | What should my attorney review before I proceed? |
| Property records | What mortgage statements, payoff information or lien documents does the lender need? |
| Ongoing costs | What income, expense and property-charge records should I bring? |
| Proposed loan | Which eligibility requirements, costs and conditions apply to this product? |
Bring documents through the secure process your attorney or lender provides. Do not put case details or account numbers in public comments.
Check your eligibility
A few details to help us understand your options.
Understand what an estimate leaves open
For HECMs, the CFPB explains the lender’s financial assessment and ongoing borrower obligations. An online estimate does not review your bankruptcy file or establish that your property and application meet the loan requirements. Ask for a written explanation of the proposed costs and available proceeds after the lender has reviewed the relevant information.
Frequently asked questions
Can I proceed immediately after a Chapter 7 discharge?
Ask the lender and your bankruptcy attorney to review your records. This article does not establish a waiting period or an approval date.
What if my Chapter 13 case is still open?
Ask your attorney about the proposed borrowing and any required permissions, and ask the lender whether it can consider the application under its current requirements.
Will bankruptcy affect the amount available?
A calculator cannot settle that question. Ask the lender to explain the proposed loan amount, costs and any amounts that would need to be paid or reserved.
What should I do first?
Gather your case and property records, then prepare the questions above for your attorney and lender.
Discuss your next steps
Have questions about how your bankruptcy history affects your next steps? Contact South River Mortgage to discuss your situation. You can also explore the calculator; an estimate does not establish loan approval.
Use our reverse mortgage calculator to explore your options, or call 844-230-6679. No pressure. No obligation.
For a new reverse mortgage, request a personalized quote from South River Mortgage.
