Overview
Bank of America is one of the largest mortgage servicers in the United States, handling millions of home loans. When a borrower passes away, the process for handling the mortgage differs from standard bank accounts. The estate representative or heir must notify Bank of America's Estate Servicing Operations and, crucially, apply to become a Successor in Interest to receive information about the loan and potentially assume the mortgage.
This guide covers Bank of America's centralized estate services department, the specific "Successor in Interest" application process for mortgages, required documents, and realistic timelines. Bank of America operates in all 50 states, so state-specific probate requirements will affect your process.
Bank of America utilizes a Third-Party Case Manager portal for non-customers and estate representatives to track the status of their case online.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with Bank of America and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Bank of America of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Bank of America, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Mortgage account number (found on monthly statements)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call the Estate Servicing Operations Team
Contact Bank of America's dedicated estate team. Note that this team handles both deposit accounts and mortgages.
- Phone: (888) 689-4466
- Hours: Mon–Thu, 8 AM – 9 PM; Fri, 8 AM – 6 PM ET
- Fax: (866) 694-9046
For Successor in Interest (SII) specific questions, you may also contact:
- SII Phone: (800) 669-6607
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 9 PM ET
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account
- Assign a case number — write this down immediately
- Explain the Successor in Interest process if you intend to keep the property
- Offer to set you up with the Third-Party Case Manager portal for online tracking
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You can submit documents via the online portal, fax, or mail.
Online: Third-Party Case Manager (Recommended for fastest processing)
For general estate matters:
- Fax: (866) 694-9046
- Mail to: Bank of America Estate Servicing Operations, PO Box 31655, Tampa, FL 33631-1655
For Successor in Interest documents specifically:
- Fax: (866) 200-5596
- Mail to: Bank of America, N.A., PO Box 31595, Tampa, FL 33631-3595
- Overnight: Bank of America, N.A., Mail Stop FL1-908-01-49, 4909 Savarese Circle, Tampa, FL 33634
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Bank of America receives your documents, expect:
- Acknowledgment: 3–5 business days (faster if online)
- Document review completion: 10–15 business days
- Successor in Interest confirmation: 30 days (standard regulatory timeline)
Step 5: Manage the Mortgage
Once you are confirmed as a Successor in Interest:
- You will receive monthly statements and loan information
- You can discuss loss mitigation or assumption options
- You are generally not personally liable for the debt unless you formally assume the loan, but payments must continue to prevent foreclosure.
Required Documents
Documents Bank of America Requires
The exact documents depend on whether you are just notifying them or applying to become a Successor in Interest (SII).
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Legible photocopy often accepted for initial notification, but certified copy may be requested |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account/SII status |
| Request for Successor in Interest | Specific Bank of America form for mortgage inquiries |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — appointing the Executor |
| Copy of the will | Often required to prove who inherited the property |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court — appointing the Administrator |
For Successor in Interest (SII) Approval
To be recognized as the new owner of the mortgage (for information purposes), you must prove ownership of the property.
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Recorded Deed | Quitclaim deed or Grant deed showing transfer to you |
| Divorce Decree | If property transferred via divorce settlement |
| Trust Agreement | If property was held in a trust |
| SII Packet | Download the Potential Successor in Interest Package — submit to fax (866) 200-5596 or mail to PO Box 31595, Tampa, FL 33631-3595 |
Account Types
How Bank of America Handles Mortgage Accounts
Mortgage Loans (Successor in Interest)
Unlike bank accounts that are closed, mortgages must be paid or paid off. The Garn-St. Germain Act generally prevents the bank from calling the loan due immediately upon death if the property transfers to a relative.
The Process:
- Notify: Tell BofA about the death.
- Apply: Submit the "Potential Successor in Interest" package.
- Confirm: Once approved as a Successor in Interest (SII), you receive access to account info.
- Decide: You can continue making payments, refinance, or sell the home. You do not have to formally "assume" the loan (become personally liable) to keep the house, as long as payments are made.
Timeline: 30 days for SII confirmation
Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC)
HELOCs are typically frozen immediately upon death notification. No further draws are allowed. The balance becomes a debt of the estate.
Timeline: Immediate freeze upon notification
Reverse Mortgages
If the decedent had a reverse mortgage, the loan becomes due and payable when the last borrower dies. The estate typically has 6 months (with potential extensions) to repay the loan, usually by selling the home.
Timeline: 6–12 months to settle
Escrow Accounts
If taxes and insurance are paid via escrow, these payments continue as long as the mortgage payments are made. If the account is frozen, ensure taxes and insurance do not lapse.
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Bank of America Process
Bank of America operates nationally, but probate and property laws are state-specific.
- Probate Requirement: You may need probate court approval (Letters Testamentary) to transfer the property deed before BofA will recognize you as the owner.
- Non-Probate Transfers: In some states, "Transfer on Death" (TOD) deeds allow property to bypass probate.
- Community Property: In states like CA, TX, AZ, and WA, a surviving spouse may automatically own the home, simplifying the SII process.
- Foreclosure Timelines: If payments stop, the speed of foreclosure varies wildly by state (judicial vs. non-judicial foreclosure).
Key State Variations
| State | Foreclosure Type | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Non-Judicial | Yes | Fast foreclosure if payments missed; TOD deeds common |
| Florida | Judicial | No | Court-supervised foreclosure; homestead protections apply |
| Texas | Non-Judicial | Yes | Very fast foreclosure process (can be <60 days) |
| New York | Judicial | No | Long foreclosure timelines; complex probate |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Bank of America Takes to Process
| Action | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Case Setup | 1–3 business days | Call 888-689-4466 to start |
| Document Review | 10–15 business days | Completeness of forms |
| Successor in Interest (SII) | 30 days | Federal regulation timeline |
| Insurance Claim Checks | 14–30 days | If endorsing a check for repairs |
| HELOC Freeze | Immediate | Upon notification |
| Probate (if required) | 6–12+ months | Court processing time |
Note: Submitting documents via the Third-Party Case Manager portal is significantly faster than mail.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Keep Paying the Mortgage
Even while the estate is being settled, mortgage payments must be made. If the account becomes delinquent, Bank of America may initiate foreclosure, regardless of the death.
Do Not Assume Liability Accidentally
You can be a "Successor in Interest" (receive info) without "Assuming" the loan (becoming personally liable). Assumption requires a credit check and makes you responsible for the debt. Most heirs just keep making payments without assumption.
Watch Out for HELOC Freezes
If you relied on a HELOC for estate expenses (like a funeral), be aware it will be frozen immediately.
Property Insurance
Ensure the homeowner's insurance policy is updated. Some policies have clauses about vacancy or death that could void coverage if the insurer isn't notified.
Reverse Mortgage Triggers
If the home has a reverse mortgage, contact the servicer immediately. You have a limited window (usually 30 days to notify, 6 months to settle) before foreclosure actions begin.
Use the Online Portal
Bank of America's Third-Party Case Manager allows you to upload PDFs and see real-time status updates, avoiding long hold times on the phone.