What to do when an UWM account holder dies
Notifying UWM of a death is not a claim for money — it is the step that stops the account, fixes the balance owed as of the date of death, and puts UWM on notice as a creditor of the estate. UWM handles it.
The claim process can be initiated by phone or by sending documentation to Research.Incoming@myuwmloan.com. Have the account holder's full name, account numbers, and the death certificate available when making initial contact.
Death claim process
The death claim process at UWM works as follows:
Filing a claim
Required Documents
- Death certificateUsed to validate the death of the customer and make the necessary updates to the account.
- Evidence of family relationshipSuch as a marriage or birth certificate.
- Will or last testament, only if a will is availableShowing your ownership interest or that you are the executor or administrator of the estate.
- Probate proceeding order, only if a probate case was openedSigned by the judge.
- Court pleadings or ordersSuch as Letters Testamentary, a Letter of Personal Representative, a Letter of Fiduciary or a Letter of Administration, filed by the court or signed by the judge.
- DeedShowing that you are an owner of the property.
- Intestate heirs affidavit, where there is no willGiving the property description and who gains ownership.
- Recorded affidavit of heirship, only where state law appliesIt must be recorded.
- Recorded life estate deed, Lady Bird deed or transfer upon death deedExecuted by the customer and recorded.
What happens to each kind of account1
- Loan
To remove a spouse's name from the mortgage, UWM lists two ways: a release of liability, which is investor specific, not guaranteed to be approved and carries fees; or a refinance. On either, the spouse remaining on the mortgage qualifies using only their own income and assets.1
Federal law on calling a home loan after a death
These exemptions apply to a loan secured by residential real property containing less than five dwelling units.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d); 12 CFR 191.5(b), 141.14Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer by devise, descent, or operation of law on the death of a joint tenant or tenant by the entirety.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(3); 12 CFR 191.5(b)(1)(iii)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer to a relative resulting from the death of a borrower.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(5)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- A lender may not exercise a due-on-sale clause upon a transfer where the spouse or children of the borrower become an owner of the property.12 U.S.C. § 1701j-3(d)(6)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
A federal regulation sets further conditions on these transfers.12 CFR 191.5(b)(1)(v)Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
What UWM provides to the estate1
- Payoff statement
"Only UWM customers and authorized third parties may request a payoff quote."2
What UWM's agreement and guidance say1
- Who can get account information
UWM releases information on the loan once it has the death certificate and has confirmed from the other documents that you are a successor in interest to the customer or the executor of the estate.3
Not in UWM's published guidance2
- A claim form
- Whether the death certificate must be certified
UWM can be reached by email at Research.Incoming@myuwmloan.com and fax at 1-469-322-4622 for questions throughout the claims process.
Sources
Data sourced from UWM primary sources (17 pages reviewed). How we research.
UWM death claims support
Fax
Mailing address
Website
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