What to do when a Lake Trust account holder dies
Contact Lake Trust's Member Services — 7-step process, 6 required documents, and pod and joint accounts typically processed within 5-10 business days upon verification of documentation. estate accounts vary depending on probate court timelines and completeness of documentation.
Member Services
Phone888-267-7200
Toll-Free888-267-7200
Mailing Address
Lake Trust Credit Union, 4605 S Old US Hwy 23, Brighton, MI 48114
WebsiteLearn more→
Member Services
Phone888-267-7200
Toll-Free888-267-7200
Mailing Address
Lake Trust Credit Union, 4605 S Old US Hwy 23, Brighton, MI 48114
Lake Trust Legacy Support
Text Support
WebsiteLearn more→
Member Services
Phone888-267-7200
Toll-Free888-267-7200
Mailing Address
Lake Trust Credit Union, 4605 S Old US Hwy 23, Brighton, MI 48114
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
After a Lake Trust member dies, the Member Services manages the transfer of accounts. POD-designated and trust-owned accounts pass directly to beneficiaries. Accounts held solely in the member's name may require probate court documents—Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration—before funds can be released.
Lake Trust provides an online portal for initiating death claims, which can simplify the initial notification and document submission process. Claims can also be started by phone or by mailing the required documents.
Death claim process
To file a claim after an account holder's death, here is what Lake Trust requires:
Filing a claim
1
Notify Lake Trust of the member's death:
- Call 888-267-7200 (Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM, Sat 9AM-1PM)
- Visit any Lake Trust branch location
2
Provide the deceased member's name, account number, and date of death.
3
Submit an original or certified copy of the death certificate.
4
Submit additional documentation based on account type:
- POD accounts: named beneficiary provides government-issued ID to claim funds
- Trust accounts: successor trustee provides trust document, death certificate, and trustee ID
- Joint accounts: surviving joint owner provides death certificate and ID
- Estate accounts (no POD/trust/joint): provide Letters of Personal Representative from probate court
5
Provide Tax ID (EIN) for the estate or irrevocable trust if applicable.
6
Lake Trust reviews all documentation for completeness.
7
Assets distributed per beneficiary designation, trust terms, joint account ownership, or estate instructions.
Required Documents
- Original or certified death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for claimant (beneficiary, trustee, or personal representative)
- Letters of Personal Representative issued by probate court (if no POD, trust, or joint ownership)
- Tax ID (EIN) for estate account or irrevocable trust
- Trust documents and trustee identification (if trust is beneficiary or account is trust-titled)
- Small Estate Affidavit (if estate qualifies under Michigan law)
IRA death claims may have additional tax reporting requirements. Investment account death claims are handled through LPL Financial separately from Lake Trust deposit accounts. Loan balances owed by the deceased may be offset against account proceeds.
How long the process takes at Lake Trust: POD and joint accounts typically processed within 5-10 business days upon verification of documentation. Estate accounts vary depending on probate court timelines and completeness of documentation. The most common reason for delays is missing or incomplete documentation, so submitting everything upfront is the best way to keep things moving.
Documentation required by Lake Trust includes Original or certified death certificate, Government-issued photo ID for claimant (beneficiary, trustee, or personal representative), and Letters of Personal Representative issued by probate court (if no POD, trust, or joint ownership), along with additional paperwork that varies by account type. All death certificates and court documents must be certified copies.
Frequently asked questions
Investment accounts at Lake Trust are held through LPL Financial (FINRA/SIPC member), not directly by Lake Trust. At the account holder's death, the claim is processed by LPL Financial, not Lake Trust Member Services. Beneficiaries or the estate representative should contact the member's LPL Financial advisor directly. LPL Financial has its own beneficiary designation forms and death claim procedures separate from Lake Trust deposit account processes.
Lake Trust's Member Services can be reached by phone at 888-267-7200 and email at laketrust@laketrust.org for questions throughout the claims process.
When the deceased had multiple Lake Trust accounts, some may need separate claims while others can be handled together. The Member Services can clarify what's needed for each account type.
Member Services
Phone888-267-7200
Toll-Free888-267-7200
Mailing Address
Lake Trust Credit Union, 4605 S Old US Hwy 23, Brighton, MI 48114
WebsiteLearn more→
Member Services
Phone888-267-7200
Toll-Free888-267-7200
Mailing Address
Lake Trust Credit Union, 4605 S Old US Hwy 23, Brighton, MI 48114
Lake Trust Legacy Support
Text Support
WebsiteLearn more→
Member Services
Phone888-267-7200
Toll-Free888-267-7200
Mailing Address
Lake Trust Credit Union, 4605 S Old US Hwy 23, Brighton, MI 48114
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
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