Estate planning at LMCU
How to protect 16 LMCU accounts — manage beneficiaries in-branch, fund a trust in-branch, and file claims through LMCU's Special Accounts Department
Customer Service
Phone1-800-242-9790
Toll-Free1-800-242-9790
Mailing Address
Lake Michigan Credit Union, 4027 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Special Accounts Department
Phone(616) 234-6335
Toll-Free1-800-242-9790
Fax(616) 643-0720
Mailing Address
Lake Michigan Credit Union, Attn: Special Accounts, PO Box 2848, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2848
WebsiteLearn more→
Special Accounts Department
Phone(616) 234-6335
Toll-Free1-800-242-9790
Fax(616) 643-0720
Mailing Address
Lake Michigan Credit Union, Attn: Special Accounts, PO Box 2848, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2848
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
LMCU offers 16 accounts, each with its own rules for what happens when a member dies. As a membership-based credit union, LMCU primary operations in Michigan's Lower Peninsula (Michigan's largest credit union). Branch locations across Michigan and in Central and Southwest Florida. Over 647,000 members as of January 31, 2026. Headquartered at 4027 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Some transfer automatically to a named beneficiary, others can be held in a trust, and a few may require probate if no plan is in place.
Managing beneficiaries at LMCU is straightforward—changes can be made in branch, by mail, and by phone, typically taking 15-30 minutes in branch; 1-2 weeks by mail. Trust funding is also available, allowing families to retitle accounts into the name of a revocable living trust.
LMCU has documented procedures for both preparing accounts during your lifetime and handling claims when an account holder passes away.
Preparing your estate
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to update beneficiaries in-branch, fund a trust in-branch, and review 16 account types at LMCU.
View details →When someone dies
Death claim process
Contact LMCU's Special Accounts Department to file a claim. 7-step process, 6 required documents, and contact information for survivors.
View details →Reach LMCU's Special Accounts Department at 1-800-242-9790 for help with any of these procedures.
Because LMCU serves a limited number of states, procedures for trust funding and beneficiary changes may differ depending on your location. Verify availability before starting.
Frequently asked questions
If all named POD beneficiaries predecease the account owner(s), the funds are paid to the estate of the last surviving owner. If a single beneficiary predeceases the member, the percentage share of any remaining beneficiaries increases on a pro rata basis. If a beneficiary is a minor at the time of payment, funds are paid to their legal guardian or as allowed by applicable law.
Trust accounts at LMCU qualify for separate NCUA insurance coverage of up to $250,000 per qualifying beneficiary. For example, a trust with 5 beneficiaries could have up to $1.25 million in insured deposits. The exact coverage depends on the specific terms of your trust document. Individual accounts with a named POD beneficiary also qualify for $250,000 per beneficiary in coverage.
To open a trust account at LMCU, you need your trust agreement or Certificate of Trust, government-issued photo ID for all trustees, and the trust's Employer Identification Number (EIN) or the grantor's SSN for revocable trusts. Contact the Special Accounts Department at 616-234-6335 to schedule an appointment at a branch.
LMCU offers investment services through MaxWealth Management, which provides securities and advisory services via LPL Financial (a registered investment advisor, FINRA/SIPC member). Services include portfolio management, retirement planning, estate planning consultation, tax planning, and charitable gifting strategies. MaxWealth Management is located at LMCU but is not affiliated with LPL Financial. Contact MaxWealth Management for a free, no-obligation financial review.
Sources
Data sourced from LMCU primary sources (23 pages reviewed). How we research.
Customer Service
Phone1-800-242-9790
Toll-Free1-800-242-9790
Mailing Address
Lake Michigan Credit Union, 4027 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Special Accounts Department
Phone(616) 234-6335
Toll-Free1-800-242-9790
Fax(616) 643-0720
Mailing Address
Lake Michigan Credit Union, Attn: Special Accounts, PO Box 2848, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2848
WebsiteLearn more→
Special Accounts Department
Phone(616) 234-6335
Toll-Free1-800-242-9790
Fax(616) 643-0720
Mailing Address
Lake Michigan Credit Union, Attn: Special Accounts, PO Box 2848, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2848
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your LMCU accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
