Overview
Handling securities after someone passes away requires additional documentation to ensure the assets go to the right person. This isn’t bureaucracy for its own sake - these requirements protect families from fraud and ensure the deceased person’s wishes are properly carried out.
Required Documents
The death certificate provides official proof that the account owner has passed away. This allows the transfer agent to know that the original owner can no longer access or transfer these securities themselves.
Beyond the death certificate, we need legal documentation showing you have the authority to handle the deceased person’s assets. This typically comes in one of three forms:
Letters testamentary or letters of administration are court documents that officially appoint you as the executor or administrator of the estate.
Small estate affidavits are available in many states for estates below certain value thresholds. Please be sure if you are submitting a small estate affidavit, it meets the requirements of your state laws. ***Note: these are accepted on a per-case and per-scenario basis. We reserve the right to reject small estate affidavits and/or require additional documentation and authorization. ***
Trust documentation is needed if the assets are held in the name of a trust. We need the complete trust documentation to verify who has the authority to manage and transfer the trust’s assets.
Important Considerations
Every state has different laws about estates, probate, and property transfers. What’s more, every family situation is unique - what works for one person might not be appropriate for another. While we’re experts in the medallion signature guarantee process, we cannot provide legal advice about your particular circumstances.
For questions about which legal path to take - whether you need probate, whether a small estate affidavit is appropriate, or how to handle complex trust situations, you’ll need to consult with an attorney familiar with your state’s laws.
Please note that we reserve the right to request additional documentation to ensure your transaction can be processed.
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