In what situation can a credit officer inquire about a mortgage applicant's marital status?

A credit officer can inquire about a mortgage applicant's marital status when the applicant resides in a community property state. This is relevant because community property laws dictate how property, income, and debts are owned and shared among spouses in such states. When a mortgage lender evaluates an application in these jurisdictions, it is essential to understand the financial obligations and assets that may be jointly held by the applicant and their spouse. Knowing the marital status helps the lender assess the risk associated with the loan, as both spouses may be responsible for debts incurred during the marriage.

In contrast, in other scenarios, such as relying on child support or involving a co-signer, the inquiry about marital status may not be necessary or relevant to the financial assessment of the mortgage application. Child support can be considered as a source of income regardless of marital status, and a co-signer's financial responsibility is evaluated independently of the primary applicant's conjugal status. Therefore, the context of community property states specifically justifies the inquiry into marital status.