What to do when a Chevy Chase Trust account holder dies
Contact Chevy Chase Trust's Planning & Fiduciary Services — 5-step process, 5 required documents, and varies by account type, estate complexity, and required documentation; contact your advisor for specifics
Chevy Chase Trust Client Services
Phone(240) 497-5000
Mailing Address
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1500W, Bethesda, MD 20814
McLean, VA office
Toll-free
WebsiteLearn more→
Planning & Fiduciary Services
Phone(240) 497-5000
Mailing Address
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1500W, Bethesda, MD 20814
WebsiteLearn more→
Estate Settlement (via Advisor)
Phone(240) 497-5000
Mailing Address
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1500W, Bethesda, MD 20814
Verified Jul 2026
What happens to Chevy Chase Trust investment accounts after the account holder dies depends on how each account was titled. Beneficiary-designated and trust-owned accounts transfer directly. Accounts in the deceased's name alone go through the estate, and the executor or administrator works with Chevy Chase Trust's Planning & Fiduciary Services ((240) 497-5000) to claim the funds.
Begin by calling Chevy Chase Trust at (240) 497-5000. You will need the deceased's full name, account numbers, and a certified death certificate to get the process started.
Death claim process
Here is the step-by-step death claim process at Chevy Chase Trust:
Filing a claim
1
Contact Chevy Chase Trust to report the death of an account holder:
- Call the deceased's advisor directly, or call the main office at (240) 497-5000
2
Chevy Chase Trust restricts account access and begins the estate settlement process
3
Submit certified death certificate to your Chevy Chase Trust advisor
4
Choose the appropriate settlement path:
- For TOD accounts: provide beneficiary ID and account information for direct distribution
- For trust accounts where Chevy Chase Trust serves as trustee: the firm administers distribution per trust terms
- For trust accounts with a successor trustee: provide successor trustee documentation and follow trust terms
- For probate accounts: provide Letters Testamentary or Administration from the probate court
5
Chevy Chase Trust facilitates asset distribution per beneficiary designation, trust terms, or probate order
Required Documents
- Certified death certificate
- Government-issued ID for beneficiary, executor, or successor trustee
- Letters Testamentary or Administration (if no TOD/beneficiary designation)
- Trust documents and successor trustee certification (if applicable)
- Small Estate Affidavit (if eligible under state law)
What to know at this institution
When Chevy Chase Trust serves as trustee or executor, the firm manages the estate settlement and trust administration process directly, including investment management of trust assets, distributions to beneficiaries, and fiduciary reporting. The Planning & Fiduciary team coordinates tax filings and ongoing trust administration.
Expected timelines at Chevy Chase Trust: Varies by account type, estate complexity, and required documentation; contact your advisor for specifics. Delays are almost always caused by incomplete paperwork—gathering all required documents before filing the initial claim helps avoid back-and-forth.
Chevy Chase Trust requires several documents to process a claim, including Certified death certificate, Government-issued ID for beneficiary, executor, or successor trustee, and Letters Testamentary or Administration (if no TOD/beneficiary designation), and additional documentation depending on the account type. Certified copies are typically needed—photocopies are generally not accepted for death certificates or court documents.
Frequently asked questions
When Chevy Chase Trust serves as trustee or executor on an account, the firm manages the estate settlement and trust administration directly upon notification of death -- handling investment management of trust assets, distributions to beneficiaries, fiduciary tax filings, and ongoing reporting. Families do not need to locate a successor trustee or open new accounts; the existing fiduciary relationship continues under the trust's terms. For accounts where Chevy Chase Trust is only the custodian or investment advisor (not the fiduciary), the named successor trustee or executor must provide their authority documentation before assets are administered.
Chevy Chase Trust's Estate Settlement (via Advisor) can be reached by phone at (240) 497-5000 for questions throughout the claims process.
When the deceased had multiple Chevy Chase Trust investment accounts, some may need separate claims while others can be handled together. The Planning & Fiduciary Services can clarify what's needed for each account type.
Sources
Data sourced from Chevy Chase Trust primary sources (12 pages reviewed). How we research.
Chevy Chase Trust Client Services
Phone(240) 497-5000
Mailing Address
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1500W, Bethesda, MD 20814
McLean, VA office
Toll-free
WebsiteLearn more→
Planning & Fiduciary Services
Phone(240) 497-5000
Mailing Address
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1500W, Bethesda, MD 20814
WebsiteLearn more→
Estate Settlement (via Advisor)
Phone(240) 497-5000
Mailing Address
7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1500W, Bethesda, MD 20814
Verified Jul 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Chevy Chase Trust accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
