Overview
Chase Home Lending is the mortgage servicing division of JPMorgan Chase, one of the largest banks in the United States. When a mortgage borrower passes away, the process for handling the loan depends on whether there is a surviving co-borrower or if a non-borrower (such as a spouse or child) is inheriting the property.
Chase has a dedicated process for confirming a "Successor in Interest"—someone who has acquired an ownership interest in the property but is not yet liable for the loan. Once confirmed, a Successor in Interest can receive loan information and make payments without necessarily assuming the loan liability.
This guide covers Chase's estate services for mortgage customers, the Successor in Interest application process, required documents, and what to expect regarding monthly payments during the transition.
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 Chase and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Chase Home Lending of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Chase, have the following ready:
- Deceased borrower's full name and Social Security number
- Mortgage loan account number (found on monthly statements)
- Date of death
- Your contact information and relationship to the deceased
- Information about the property (address, current occupancy status)
Step 2: Call the Estate Services Department
Contact Chase's Home Lending estate team specifically (do not call the general banking line for mortgage matters):
- Phone: (866) 299-6752
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 8 PM ET
When you call, inform the agent that the borrower has passed away. They will:
- Verify the borrower's information.
- Place a deceased flag on the account (this stops marketing calls but does not stop foreclosure if payments are missed).
- Determine which "packet" you need (e.g., Successor in Interest Packet, Fiduciary Packet, or Remove Deceased Borrower Packet).
- Mail or email the appropriate packet to you.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Complete the forms included in the packet and gather the required supporting documents (listed below). You can submit them via mail or fax.
Mail to:
Chase Home Lending
Mail Code LA4-6555
700 Kansas Lane
Monroe, LA 71203
Fax to:
(614) 422-7575
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Chase receives your documents, they will review your request to be recognized as a Successor in Interest or authorized third party.
- Acknowledgment letter: 7–10 business days
- Document review completion: 2–4 weeks
- Confirmation of Successor Status: 30–60 days (varies by complexity)
Step 5: Manage the Loan
Once you are confirmed as a Successor in Interest:
- You will receive monthly statements and loan information.
- You can make payments to keep the loan current.
- You can discuss options for loan assumption (taking over liability) or modification if needed.
Required Documents
Documents Chase Requires
The documents needed depend on your goal (e.g., just removing a name vs. taking over the loan).
To Remove a Deceased Co-Borrower
If you are already a co-borrower on the loan:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | A copy is often accepted for mortgages, but certified is safer |
| Request to Remove Deceased Borrower | Form provided in the Chase packet |
To Be Recognized as Successor in Interest
If you inherited the property but are not on the loan:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Successor in Interest Application | Included in the Chase packet |
| Death Certificate | Copy or certified copy |
| Proof of Identity | Driver's license or passport of the successor |
| Proof of Ownership Interest | Recorded deed, court order, or copy of the will/trust |
| Proof of Relationship | Birth certificate or marriage certificate (if applicable) |
To Act as Executor/Administrator (Fiduciary)
If you are managing the estate but not inheriting the property:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Fiduciary Application | Included in the Chase packet |
| Letters Testamentary / Administration | Court-certified documents appointing you as representative |
| Death Certificate | Copy or certified copy |
| Tax ID (EIN) for Estate | If opening an estate bank account (not always needed for mortgage access) |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Agreement | Excerpts showing the successor trustee and powers |
| Successor Trustee Application | Included in the Chase packet |
Account Types
How Chase Handles Mortgage Accounts
Surviving Co-Borrower (Joint Tenant)
If you are a co-borrower listed on the mortgage note, you are already liable for the debt. You simply need to provide a death certificate to remove the decedent's name from correspondence. You continue making payments as usual.
Timeline: 1–2 billing cycles to update statements.
Successor in Interest (Spouse/Child/Heir)
Under federal rules (CFPB), if you inherit the home, you can be confirmed as a "Successor in Interest." This allows you to communicate with Chase and make payments without formally assuming the loan liability.
- Note: You are not personally liable for the debt unless you formally "assume" the loan, but the lien remains on the house. If payments stop, foreclosure can proceed.
Timeline: 30–60 days for confirmation.
Probate Estate (Executor/Administrator)
If the house is part of the probate estate and will be sold, the Executor needs to be authorized to receive payoff statements and manage the property maintenance. Submit the Fiduciary Packet and Letters Testamentary.
Timeline: 2–4 weeks for authorization.
Reverse Mortgage (HECM)
If the deceased had a reverse mortgage, the loan typically becomes due and payable upon death. The estate has a limited time (usually 6 months, with possible extensions) to sell the home, refinance, or pay off the balance. Contact Chase immediately if it is a reverse mortgage.
Timeline: Immediate action required.
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Chase Process
Chase operates nationally, but property laws are state-specific.
- Probate vs. Non-Probate Transfer: If the property was held in a Living Trust or with Rights of Survivorship, you may not need probate court documents to prove ownership. A recorded deed or trust document may suffice.
- Foreclosure Timelines: If payments are missed, the foreclosure timeline is determined by state law (judicial vs. non-judicial states).
- Community Property: In states like California, Texas, and Arizona, a surviving spouse may have automatic ownership rights that simplify the Successor in Interest process.
Key State Variations
| State | Foreclosure Type | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Non-Judicial | Yes | Fast foreclosure timeline; spousal rights strong |
| New York | Judicial | No | Long foreclosure timeline; court involvement high |
| Florida | Judicial | No | Homestead protections may apply |
| Texas | Non-Judicial | Yes | Very fast foreclosure process (can be <60 days) |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Chase Takes to Process Estate Requests
| Request Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Packet Request | 7–10 days | Time to receive forms by mail |
| Document Review | 2–4 weeks | Chase reviewing your submission |
| Successor Confirmation | 30–60 days | Verifying ownership and identity |
| Loan Assumption | 3–6 months | Full credit underwriting required (if chosen) |
| Insurance Claim Checks | 2–6 weeks | Endorsing checks for property damage |
Note: Continue making mortgage payments during this process to avoid late fees or credit reporting issues.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Keep Making Payments
The most common mistake is stopping payments while waiting for paperwork. The mortgage must be paid regardless of the borrower's death. Missed payments can lead to late fees and foreclosure initiation.
"Successor in Interest" vs. "Assumption"
- Successor in Interest: You get information and can pay, but aren't personally liable. (Easier, no credit check).
- Assumption: You take over the loan liability legally. (Harder, requires credit check and income verification).
Most heirs start as Successors in Interest.
Property Insurance
Ensure the homeowner's insurance policy is updated. If the policy lapses, Chase will purchase "force-placed insurance," which is much more expensive and covers less.
Mail vs. Fax
Faxing documents to (614) 422-7575 is often faster than mailing to the Louisiana address. If you mail, use a service with tracking (USPS Priority, FedEx, UPS).
Reverse Mortgages
If the loan is a "HECM" (Reverse Mortgage), do not wait. The clock starts ticking on the date of death to repay the loan or sell the house.