Money and accounts
What happens to their mortgage?
Short answer
If you were a co-borrower or surviving spouse, you may be able to continue payments or refinance. If the home goes through probate, the mortgage stays with the property. Do not stop making payments without talking to the lender — foreclosure can…
What this usually means
If you were a co-borrower or surviving spouse, you may be able to continue payments or refinance. If the home goes through probate, the mortgage stays with the property. Do not stop making payments without talking to the lender — foreclosure can start quickly.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.