Bank Accounts and Financial Institutions
How do I transfer investment accounts after a death?
Short answer
Contact the brokerage or investment firm directly. They will send you their transfer paperwork — usually a death certificate, the account number, a transfer form, and in some cases a medallion signature guarantee. Each firm has its own process. Do not assume…
What this usually means
Contact the brokerage or investment firm directly. They will send you their transfer paperwork — usually a death certificate, the account number, a transfer form, and in some cases a medallion signature guarantee. Each firm has its own process. Do not assume all accounts work the same way.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.