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
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
Client Service Team (Estate Planning)
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
Client Service Team
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
When an account holder at Fisher Investments 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 (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
- Deceased client's name and account information
- Date of death
- Caller's relationship to the deceased
- Caller's contact information
- 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
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 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.
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
Client Service Team (Estate Planning)
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
Client Service Team
Fisher Investments, 6500 International Parkway, Suite 2050, Plano, TX 75093
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Fisher Investments 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.
