What to do when a ServisFirst account holder dies
Report the death to ServisFirst at 1-866-317-0810
What happens to ServisFirst accounts after the account holder dies depends on how each account was titled. Beneficiary-designated and trust-owned accounts transfer directly. Accounts in the deceased's name alone go through the estate, and the executor or administrator works with ServisFirst to claim the funds.
Gather the account holder's full name, date of birth, and any known account or policy numbers before contacting ServisFirst.
Death claim process
To file a claim after an account holder's death, here is what ServisFirst requires:
Filing a claim
- Contact the account officer for the decedent's account. ServisFirst directs matters concerning changes to existing accounts to the account officer.
- Or call Client Support at 866.922.5794, or visit a ServisFirst banking office.
State law on paying a balance without letters5 states
- Alabama
Permits a bank to pay up to $5,000 on an affidavitAla. Code §§ 5-5A-38, 5-5A-39Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Florida
Permits a bank to pay up to $2,000 on an affidavitFla. Stat. § 735.303Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Georgia
Permits a bank to pay up to $15,000 on an affidavitO.C.G.A. § 7-1-239Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
- Tennessee
Permits a bank to pay up to $15,000 on proof the institution acceptsT.C.A. § 45-2-708Verified Oct 3, 2026View sourceT.C.A. § 45-2-708
Permits a bank to pay up to $10,000 on proof the institution acceptsT.C.A. § 30-2-103(b)(2)Verified Oct 3, 2026View sourceT.C.A. § 30-2-103(b)(2)
- Texas
Permits a bank to pay up to $5,000 on an order of the courtTex. Est. Code § 152.051Verified Oct 3, 2026View source
Not in ServisFirst's published guidance5
- A procedure for reporting a death
- A department for deceased-customer accounts
- A claim form
- A list of required documents
- Whether the death certificate must be certified
Sources
(1)·
Data sourced from ServisFirst primary sources (22 pages reviewed). How we research.
ServisFirst death claims support
Phone
Client Support
Telephone Banking
Lost/Stolen Debit Card
Lost/Stolen Credit Card
Mailing address
Website
Death notifications go through general customer service.
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your ServisFirst accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Is this your situation?
Get a complete guide for your specific circumstances.
Forms for Settling an Estate
Free forms for settling an estate: probate petition, small estate affidavit, creditor notice and closing forms. Prepare each form for your state.
Affidavit of Death
Put a joint owner's or a transfer on death deed owner's death on the land records with the affidavit your state's statute names, laid out for recording.
IRS Form 56
Notify the IRS that you are the fiduciary of an estate, a trust or a person, or end a notice filed before, on the official form.
Digital Assets Recovery Letter
Prepare a letter requesting a deceased person's online accounts, points, and balances from the program that holds them.
Petition for Probate and Letters
Open probate and ask the court to appoint you and issue Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Notice to Creditors
Notify estate creditors and start the claim period — the published notice plus mailed copies for known creditors.
Renunciation of Executor
Decline an appointment as executor named in a will — the writing filed with the court before anyone is appointed.
Tools for Settling an Estate
Free tools for settling an estate: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines and taxes. Run each tool for your state.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
Calculate how many certified death certificates you need and see ordering info for your state.
Do I Need Probate?
Find out if an estate needs probate or qualifies for simplified procedures.
What Happens to Jointly Owned Property When an Owner Dies?
See what your state records when a joint tenant with right of survivorship dies: an affidavit, the death certificate or a new deed.
Do I Have to File Tax Returns for Someone Who Died?
Find out which tax returns need to be filed after someone dies and whether tax clearance is required.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Personalized plan for settling an estate after someone passes away.
What Do I Do When Someone Dies?
A step-by-step checklist for the days, weeks, and months after a death, with state rules noted where they apply.
