How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at Baird
Covers 10 investment, and 7 retirement accounts — beneficiaries must be updated in-branch
Phone1-800-792-2473
Emailinfo@rwbaird.com
Mailing Address
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, P.O. Box 0672, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0672
WebsiteLearn more→
Baird Trust Company
Phone502-588-1700
Mailing Address
Baird Trust Company, 500 W. Jefferson St., Suite 2600, Louisville, KY 40202
Technology Support (Client Portal)
Baird Online Support
Cash Management
WebsiteLearn more→
Estate Settlement (via Financial Advisor)
Phone1-800-792-2473
Emailinfo@rwbaird.com
Mailing Address
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, P.O. Box 0672, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0672
Baird Trust Estate Settlement
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
The key to protecting your Baird investment accounts is making sure each one has a transfer mechanism in place—either a beneficiary designation or trust ownership. Without one, the account goes through probate, adding time, cost, and court involvement for your family.
With 17 product types, Baird offers a range of transfer options. Some investment accounts support Transfer on Death (TOD) designations, others can be retitled into a trust, and some require probate if no beneficiary is designated. The sections below break down each step.
Individual Brokerage AccountJoint Brokerage AccountBaird Advisory ChoicePrivate Investment ManagementMutual Fund/ETF Asset Allocation ProgramBaird Recommended Managers / UMABaird Cash Management ProgramBaird 529 College Savings PlanBaird Trust AccountBaird UTMA/UGMA Custodial Account
1
Contact your Baird Financial Advisor to request beneficiary designation forms
2
Complete the appropriate beneficiary designation form:
- For brokerage accounts: complete the Transfer on Death (TOD) Beneficiary Designation form
- For retirement accounts: complete the IRA Beneficiary Designation form
3
Provide beneficiary information:
- Full name, relationship, date of birth, SSN, and address
- For trusts as beneficiary: trust name, date established, and EIN
- Percentage allocations for primary and contingent beneficiaries (must total 100%)
4
Review and sign completed forms with your Financial Advisor
Required Documents
- Trust name, date established, and tax ID (EIN or SSN)
Special Requirements
- Trusts can be named as beneficiaries on brokerage and retirement accounts
- Beneficiary designations typically take precedence over wills or trusts
- Baird operates through a Financial Advisor relationship model; most account changes go through your advisor
- Spousal consent may be required for certain retirement account beneficiary changes
Phone1-800-792-2473
Emailinfo@rwbaird.com
Mailing Address
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, P.O. Box 0672, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0672
WebsiteLearn more→
Baird Trust Company
Phone502-588-1700
Mailing Address
Baird Trust Company, 500 W. Jefferson St., Suite 2600, Louisville, KY 40202
Technology Support (Client Portal)
Baird Online Support
Cash Management
WebsiteLearn more→
Estate Settlement (via Financial Advisor)
Phone1-800-792-2473
Emailinfo@rwbaird.com
Mailing Address
Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated, P.O. Box 0672, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0672
Baird Trust Estate Settlement
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Apr 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your Baird accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
