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
Creative Planning Client Services
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
Estate Planning & Trust Services
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
Death Claims (via Wealth Manager)
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
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 Death Claims (via Wealth Manager) (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
- If the wealth manager is unknown, call Creative Planning client services at 866-909-5148
- 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
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 Death Claims (via Wealth Manager) can clarify what's needed for each account type.
Sources
Data sourced from Creative Planning primary sources (18 pages reviewed). How we research.
Creative Planning Client Services
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
Estate Planning & Trust Services
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
Death Claims (via Wealth Manager)
5454 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Creative Planning accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
More tools for handling this estate
Calculators and checklists for executors and trustees.
How Much Does Probate Cost?
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Calculate how much an executor (personal representative) can charge for administering an estate. See if your state has statutory fees or uses reasonable compensation.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Find out who inherits your estate and how much they get if you die without a will. Based on your state's intestate succession laws.
What's Fair Trustee Compensation?
Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.
How Much Are Estate & Inheritance Taxes?
Calculate federal estate tax, state estate tax (12 states + DC), and inheritance tax (5 states) for an estate or trust.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need based on the assets and accounts you need to close. See state-specific ordering information.
