Overview
LoanDepot is one of the largest non-bank mortgage lenders in the United States, servicing millions of home loans. Unlike a traditional bank with checking or savings accounts, dealing with LoanDepot after a death primarily involves mortgage loans and the process of becoming a Successor in Interest.
When a borrower passes away, the mortgage debt does not disappear. The estate or a surviving family member (Successor in Interest) must notify LoanDepot to either assume the loan, continue making payments, or arrange for the sale of the property.
This guide covers LoanDepot's specific process for "Successors in Interest," the documents required to protect the property from foreclosure, and how to handle the transition of mortgage responsibility.
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 LoanDepot and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify LoanDepot of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting LoanDepot, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name
- Loan number (found on the monthly mortgage statement)
- Social Security number of the decedent
- Property address
- Your relationship to the borrower
- Date of death
Step 2: Call Loan Servicing
Contact LoanDepot's servicing department to report the death and request a Successor in Interest packet.
- Phone: (866) 258-6572
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 7 PM CT; Sat, 8 AM – 5 PM CT
Tell the representative: "I am calling to notify you of the death of a borrower and would like to initiate the Successor in Interest process."
They will:
- Note the file with a deceased status.
- Verify if you are an authorized third party (if not, they may be limited in what they can tell you until documents are received).
- Mail or email you a Successor in Interest Application packet.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
You must prove you have a legal interest in the property (ownership) to receive full access to loan information. Mail the required documents to their servicing center.
Mail to:
LoanDepot Estate Services
P.O. Box 250009
Plano, TX 75025
Tip: Send documents via certified mail with return receipt to ensure they are received.
Step 4: Wait for Confirmation
LoanDepot typically reviews documents within 5–10 business days of receipt. Once confirmed as a Successor in Interest, you will receive:
- Access to account information
- Monthly statements sent to your name
- The ability to discuss loss mitigation or loan assumption options
Step 5: Decide on the Loan's Future
Once confirmed, you generally have three options:
- Keep the home: Continue making payments (under the Garn-St. Germain Act, relatives inheriting a home can usually keep the existing mortgage terms).
- Assume the loan: Formally take over the mortgage liability (requires credit qualification).
- Sell the home: Use the proceeds to pay off the remaining mortgage balance.
Required Documents
Documents LoanDepot Requires
To be recognized as a Successor in Interest (someone with a legal claim to the property), you must provide specific proof.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified Death Certificate | To prove the borrower has passed away |
| Successor in Interest Application | Provided by LoanDepot; outlines your request |
| Government-Issued ID | Copy of driver's license or passport of the requestor |
Proof of Ownership (One of the following)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Recorded Deed | Quitclaim deed or grant deed showing transfer to you |
| Probate Court Order | Order distributing the property to you |
| Trust Document | If the property was held in a trust |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Appoints the Executor; gives authority to handle the loan |
| Copy of the Will | Often required to verify inheritance |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Appoints the Administrator of the estate |
| Affidavit of Heirship | (In some states) establishes legal heirs without full probate |
Account Types
How LoanDepot Handles Mortgage Accounts
Mortgage Loans (Sole Borrower)
If the decedent was the only borrower, the estate or heir must act quickly to prevent default.
- Immediate Action: Keep the mortgage current! Missed payments can lead to late fees and foreclosure, even during probate.
- Successor in Interest: Once confirmed, the heir receives the same protections as the original borrower.
- Assumption: You may be able to formally "assume" the loan, putting it in your name.
Timeline: {30–60 days for Successor confirmation}
Joint Mortgage (Co-Borrower)
If there is a surviving co-borrower on the loan:
- Process: The survivor typically continues responsibility for the loan automatically.
- Action: Send a death certificate to remove the decedent's name from statements.
- Refinance: Not usually required, but the survivor can choose to refinance to remove the decedent's name from the debt obligation entirely.
Timeline: {1–2 billing cycles}
Reverse Mortgages
If the loan is a reverse mortgage (HECM):
- Trigger: The loan becomes due and payable upon the death of the last surviving borrower.
- Timeline: The estate typically has 6 months (with possible extensions up to 12 months) to repay the loan, usually by selling the home.
- Action: Contact LoanDepot immediately to avoid foreclosure initiation.
Timeline: {6–12 months to settle}
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the LoanDepot Process
LoanDepot operates nationally, but state property laws dictate how mortgages are handled after death.
- Foreclosure Process: Some states (judicial) require a court lawsuit to foreclose, while others (non-judicial) allow faster foreclosure sales. This affects how much time the estate has to act if payments are missed.
- Probate vs. Non-Probate: If the property was in a Living Trust or held as Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship, it transfers to heirs faster, bypassing probate.
- Community Property: In states like CA, TX, and AZ, a surviving spouse may have ownership rights even if not listed on the mortgage.
Key State Variations
| State | Foreclosure Type | Probate Required for Real Estate? |
|---|---|---|
| California | Non-Judicial (Fast) | No (if in Trust or Joint Tenancy) |
| Texas | Non-Judicial (Fast) | Yes (unless Transfer on Death Deed used) |
| Florida | Judicial (Slow) | Yes (Summary Administration available) |
| New York | Judicial (Slow) | Yes |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long LoanDepot Takes to Process Requests
| Request Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Death Notification | {1–3 business days} | Just to flag the account |
| Successor in Interest Review | {10–30 business days} | Depends on document accuracy |
| Loan Assumption | {45–90 days} | Requires credit underwriting |
| Escrow Refund | {20–30 business days} | After loan payoff |
| Foreclosure Suspension | {Immediate} | Upon receipt of valid claim/request |
Note: LoanDepot may pause foreclosure activity for a short period while reviewing Successor in Interest documents, but this is not guaranteed. Always communicate proactively.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Don't Stop Paying the Mortgage
The most common mistake is assuming payments stop during probate. They do not. Missed payments damage the credit of the estate/heirs (if they assume the loan) and lead to foreclosure fees.
"Successor in Interest" vs. "Assumption"
- Successor in Interest: Gives you information access and the right to pay. You don't personally owe the debt.
- Assumption: You formally take over the debt and it appears on your credit report.
Most heirs start as Successors and decide later whether to Assume.
Watch Out for Insurance Lapses
If the homeowner's insurance policy expires, LoanDepot will purchase "force-placed insurance," which is much more expensive. Ensure the insurance company is notified and premiums are paid.
Send Documents to the Right Address
Do not send estate documents to the payment address. Use the Plano, TX correspondence address to ensure they reach the legal/estate team.
Check for Mortgage Life Insurance
Review the borrower's records to see if they paid for "mortgage life insurance," which pays off the loan balance upon death.