How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at EQ Shareowner Services
Trust paperwork is taken by mail
Preparing your EQ Shareowner Services registered shareholdings for transfer starts with the beneficiary or registration on file, which controls who inherits without probate. Where it applies, EQ Shareowner Services accounts can also be titled to a revocable living trust; the right approach depends on the account type and your broader plan.
EQ Shareowner Services offers 3 registered shareholdings, each with its own transfer rules. The sections below cover how to set up beneficiaries, fund a trust, and which products support each approach.
- The names of the trustees, the name of the trust, and the original date of the trust (not an amendment date)
- The Tax ID (SSN or EIN) for the new account
Required Documents
- Completed Stock Power Form with Trust registration selected (a separate form for each account and each company of stock)
- Names of trustees, trust name, and original trust date. The original date of the trust, not an amendment date
- Tax ID (SSN or EIN) for the new account
- Medallion Signature Guarantee on the registered owners' signatures. A notary seal is not a substitute. For transfers of $10,000 or less, the Medallion Signature Guarantee Waiver documents can be sent instead
- Substitute Form W-9 for the new account (signed by the new owner in Section G)
- Original stock certificates (if any)
What EQ Shareowner Services says about trust accounts
Each section is EQ Shareowner Services's own statement, with the document it comes from numbered under Sources.
Trust account forms EQ Shareowner Services issues1
- Stock Power Form (Stock Power and Transfer Instructions)
For directly registered sharess. Available to download.1
What EQ Shareowner Services says about trust accounts2
Sources
Data sourced from EQ Shareowner Services primary sources (4 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these EQ Shareowner Services instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against EQ Shareowner Services primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
EQ Shareowner Services estate support
EQ Shareowner Services Customer Care
Phone
Direct
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Estate requests go through general customer service.
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your EQ Shareowner Services accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
New Baby or Adoption
Your family is growing. Your protection should too. Guardian nominations, trusts for minors, beneficiary updates, and the documents new parents need in place.
Learn more
Marriage
What married couples need in place: one joint trust or two, wills, beneficiary updates, and the spousal rights your state grants you automatically.
Learn more
New Home
How to put your house in a revocable trust: the deed you record, what it does to your mortgage and property taxes, and when a TOD deed is simpler.
Learn more
Retirement
Retirement changes your financial picture. Healthcare directives, beneficiary reviews, long-term care planning, and protecting what you've built.
Learn moreForms for Planning Your Estate
Free forms for planning your estate: a will, living trust, pour-over will, both powers of attorney, living will, and TOD deed.
Revocable Living Trust
Create a revocable living trust to avoid probate, protect privacy, and control asset distribution.
Last Will and Testament
Name your heirs, guardians, and final wishes. Free for every state.
Transfer on Death Deed
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate. Available in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
Tools for Planning Your Estate
Free tools for planning your estate: what a will or trust costs, whether you need a trust or TOD deed, and how documents are signed.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare revocable living trust costs across providers including online services and attorneys.
How Does SimplyTrust Compare to LegalZoom, Trust & Will, and Other Services?
Compare what it costs to make a trust official across SimplyTrust, LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker.
Do I Need a Revocable Trust?
Find out if a revocable trust makes sense based on your state, estate value, and family situation.
Trust or Will: Which Costs Less?
Compare the cost of probate vs a trust for your state and estate value.
What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?
Compare costs across estate planning providers including online services and attorneys.
How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?
Calculate your life insurance needs based on income, debts, and family situation.
