A Successor in Interest is someone who has received an ownership interest in a property, even if they are not obligated to repay the debt. In other words, individual(s) who may have inherited or had a property transferred to them with no requirement to pay for the property.
To protect our customer’s information, we are able to communicate and discuss loan information only with the borrower, an authorized third party, or a confirmed successor in interest. As a confirmed successor in interest, you may receive pertinent loan information and documents.
A Successor in Interest is someone who has received an ownership interest in a property, even if they are not personally obligated to repay the debt.
You may qualify as a Successor in Interest if you received an ownership interest in a property by one of the following transfers:
- As a result of the death of a co-owner of the property (joint tenant or tenancy by the entirety)
- As a result of the death of a relative
- As a result of a divorce or legal separation
- As a result of a transfer from a borrower to spouse or children
- Through a living trust
Examples of Successor in Interest situations and required documentation
Listed below are examples of documents RLMS may require to confirm a potential Successor in Interest. Examples provided are meant to illustrate what documents are generally required in each situation; however, additional documents may be required upon request.
Transfer due to death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety
- Original or legible photocopy of the borrower’s certified death certificate
- Copy of deed showing one of the following:
- joint tenants or tenants by entirety;
- you and the deceased held title as community property; or
- transfer of the deceased customers interest in the property upon their death
Transfer to a relative from the death of the borrower
- Original or legible photocopy of the borrower’s certified death certificate
- Documents showing interest in property such as one of the following:
- Letters of testamentary
- Small estate affidavit
- A court-authenticated will stating to whom the property is bequeathed
- Legal documentation stating relationship between requesting party and decedent (examples: birth certificates, marriage certificates, adoption papers)
Transfer to spouse, parent or child of the borrower
- Document showing proof of relationship to borrower
- Copy of the most recent deed stating a transfer of title to relative of borrower
Transfer from a divorce decree, legal separation agreement, or settlement agreement by the spouse of the borrower
- Marriage certificate
- Final divorce decree and/or
- Final settlement agreement
Transfer through a living trust
- Certification of trust
- Trust Agreement
How to request successor in interest confirmation
If you are requesting successor in interest confirmation as result of death of a borrower, divorce, legal separation agreement, or settlement agreement by the spouse of a borrower you will need to complete a Successor in Interest Information sheet and provide supporting documentation.
You can download a copy of the Successor in Interest Request Packet on from our Documents page.