What Happens to Your Mortgage When You Die?
NerdWallet
by Robin RothsteinFebruary 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
When you pass away, your mortgage does not disappear with you. Instead, the responsibility for paying off the loan typically falls on your estate or heirs. This means that your spouse, children, or other beneficiaries may inherit the property and be required to continue making payments. Understanding how a mortgage is handled after death is crucial for anyone looking to protect their loved ones and ensure financial stability.
Upon your death, the legal process begins with probate court, where your estate is settled according to your will. If you owned the home jointly with another person, such as a spouse, they may continue to own the property without any change in ownership. However, if you were the sole owner, the mortgage becomes part of
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Originally published on NerdWallet on 2/13/2026