What to do when a Creative Planning account holder dies
Contact Creative Planning's Estate Planning & Trust Services — 5-step process, 5 required documents, and varies by account type and documentation; contact your wealth manager for specifics
C
Creative Planning Client Services
Phone1-866-909-5148
Mailing Address
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
Main line
Retirement plan services
New client inquiries
WebsiteLearn more→
Estate Planning & Trust Services
Phone1-866-909-5148
Mailing Address
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims (via Wealth Manager)
Phone1-866-909-5148
Mailing Address
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
What happens to Creative Planning 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 Creative Planning's Estate Planning & Trust Services (1-866-909-5148) to claim the funds.
Death claims at Creative Planning can be started through an online portal, which streamlines the initial notification and document upload. Phone and mail options are also available.
Death claim process
Here is the step-by-step death claim process at Creative Planning:
Filing a claim
1
Contact the deceased's Creative Planning wealth manager to report the death:
- If the wealth manager is unknown, call Creative Planning client services at 866-909-5148
2
Wealth manager coordinates with the custodian (Schwab or Fidelity) to restrict account access
3
Submit certified death certificate to your wealth manager
4
Choose the appropriate settlement path:
- For TOD accounts: provide beneficiary ID and existing or new account information for direct distribution
- For trust accounts: provide successor trustee documentation and follow trust terms
- For probate accounts: provide Letters Testamentary or Administration from the probate court
5
Wealth manager and in-house team facilitate 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
Creative Planning does not maintain custody of client assets -- securities and funds are held at the custodian (Charles Schwab or Fidelity). Creative Planning in-house attorneys and CPAs can assist with estate settlement coordination, tax filing, and distribution planning. Creative Planning Trust Company can continue serving as corporate trustee for ongoing trust administration after the grantor's death.
Expected timelines at Creative Planning: Varies by account type and documentation; contact your wealth manager for specifics. Delays are almost always caused by incomplete paperwork—gathering all required documents before filing the initial claim helps avoid back-and-forth.
Creative Planning 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
The process depends on the account type. TOD (transfer on death) accounts pass directly to named beneficiaries without probate. Trust accounts pass according to the trust terms. IRA and retirement accounts distribute to the named beneficiary per the beneficiary designation. Accounts without a beneficiary designation or TOD registration pass through the estate and may require probate. Contact the deceased's Creative Planning wealth manager or call client services at 866-909-5148 to initiate the estate settlement process.
Creative Planning's Death Claims (via Wealth Manager) can be reached by phone at 1-866-909-5148 for questions throughout the claims process.
When the deceased had multiple Creative Planning investment accounts, some may need separate claims while others can be handled together. The Estate Planning & Trust Services can clarify what's needed for each account type.
Sources
Data sourced from Creative Planning primary sources (18 pages reviewed). How we research.
C
Creative Planning Client Services
Phone1-866-909-5148
Mailing Address
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
Main line
Retirement plan services
New client inquiries
WebsiteLearn more→
Estate Planning & Trust Services
Phone1-866-909-5148
Mailing Address
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
WebsiteLearn more→
Death Claims (via Wealth Manager)
Phone1-866-909-5148
Mailing Address
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Creative Planning accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
