What to do when a Fisher Investments account holder dies
Contact Fisher Investments's Client Service Team (Estate Planning) — 6-step process, 7 required documents, and varies by custodian and complexity of the estate; typically several weeks once all documents are received in good order
Phone1-800-550-1071
Mailing Address
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
New Client Inquiries
401(k) Business Services
Media/Press Inquiries
WebsiteLearn more→
Client Service Team (Estate Planning)
Phone1-800-550-1071
Mailing Address
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
New Client Inquiries
WebsiteLearn more→
Client Service Team
Phone1-800-550-1071
Mailing Address
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
When a Fisher Investments account holder passes away, the next step depends on how the investment accounts were set up. Accounts with beneficiary designations or trust ownership transfer outside of probate. Accounts titled solely in the deceased's name require the estate's legal representative to work with Fisher Investments's Client Service Team (Estate Planning) (1-800-550-1071) to access and distribute the funds.
Fisher Investments offers an online claims portal that makes the initial filing process more straightforward. Survivors can also initiate claims by phone or by mailing documentation directly.
Death claim process
To file a claim after an account holder's death, here is what Fisher Investments requires:
Filing a claim
1
Contact Fisher Investments at 1-800-550-1071 to notify them of the account holder's death
2
Provide initial information:
- Deceased client's name and account information
- Date of death
- Caller's relationship to the deceased
- Caller's contact information
3
Fisher coordinates with the third-party custodian to restrict trading and pending transactions on the account
4
Submit required documents to Fisher and/or the custodian:
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Government-issued ID of the claimant or executor
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if estate is the beneficiary or if probate is required)
- Trust documentation (if a trust is the beneficiary)
- Custodian-specific claim forms
5
Fisher's team works with the custodian to process the transfer of assets to named beneficiaries, the estate, or an inherited account
6
For IRA accounts, inherited IRA accounts are set up for eligible beneficiaries subject to required minimum distribution rules
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID of the claimant, executor, or trustee
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if applicable)
- Trust documentation (if trust is beneficiary)
- Custodian-specific estate claim or transfer forms
- IRS Form W-9 for the beneficiary or estate
- Small estate affidavit (if applicable under state law)
What to know at this institution
Because Fisher Investments uses third-party custodians, the estate settlement process involves coordination between Fisher and the custodian. Fisher's Investment Counselors and client service team assist beneficiaries and executors throughout the process. Fisher works closely with beneficiaries, attorneys, tax professionals, and estate planning specialists. The specific claim forms and timelines depend on which custodian holds the account.
Expected timelines at Fisher Investments: Varies by custodian and complexity of the estate; typically several weeks once all documents are received in good order. Delays are almost always caused by incomplete paperwork—gathering all required documents before filing the initial claim helps avoid back-and-forth.
Documentation required by Fisher Investments includes Certified copy of the death certificate, Government-issued photo ID of the claimant, executor, or trustee, and Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if applicable), along with additional paperwork that varies by account type. All death certificates and court documents must be certified copies.
Frequently asked questions
Because Fisher uses third-party custodians to hold client assets, TOD beneficiary designations are processed through the custodian (e.g., Fidelity or Schwab). Your Fisher Investment Counselor at 1-800-550-1071 can coordinate the process, or you can log in to your custodian account directly to add or update TOD beneficiaries. Named beneficiaries override your will. TOD is not available on IRAs; use the beneficiary designation form instead.
Survivors should call Fisher at 1-800-550-1071 to report the death. Fisher restricts trading and coordinates with the third-party custodian to process the claim. Required documents typically include a certified death certificate, government-issued ID of the claimant or executor, Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if applicable), trust documentation (if a trust is beneficiary), and custodian-specific claim forms. For accounts with named TOD beneficiaries, assets transfer directly to the beneficiary; for IRAs, inherited IRA accounts are established subject to SECURE Act distribution rules.
Fisher Investments's Client Service Team can be reached by phone at 1-800-550-1071 for questions throughout the claims process.
If the deceased held multiple Fisher Investments investment accounts, each may require a separate claim or have different documentation requirements. The Client Service Team (Estate Planning) can confirm which accounts require individual attention and which can be processed together.
Sources
Data sourced from Fisher Investments primary sources (14 pages reviewed). How we research.
Phone1-800-550-1071
Mailing Address
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
New Client Inquiries
401(k) Business Services
Media/Press Inquiries
WebsiteLearn more→
Client Service Team (Estate Planning)
Phone1-800-550-1071
Mailing Address
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
New Client Inquiries
WebsiteLearn more→
Client Service Team
Phone1-800-550-1071
Mailing Address
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Fisher Investments accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
