What to do when a EP Wealth account holder dies

Expected timelines at EP Wealth: Set by the custodian, not by EP Wealth; typically 2-4 weeks after the custodian has a complete, correctly signed package. Delays are almost always caused by incomplete paperwork—gathering all required documents before filing the initial claim helps avoid back-and-forth.

EP Wealth requires several documents to process a claim, including Certified death certificate (multiple copies), Government-issued photo ID for the claimant, executor or successor trustee, and Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (accounts with no beneficiary, TOD or trust title), and additional documentation depending on the account type. Certified copies are typically needed—photocopies are generally not accepted for death certificates or court documents.

EP Wealth's Death notification and estate coordination — claims are filed with the ACCOUNT CUSTODIAN (Charles Schwab or Fidelity); the EP Wealth advisor coordinates can be reached by phone at 1-877-390-3330 for questions throughout the claims process.

When the deceased had multiple EP Wealth investment accounts, some may need separate claims while others can be handled together. The Estate Planning Services (advisory coordination; EP Wealth is not a law firm and does not draft documents) can clarify what's needed for each account type.