What to do when a ServisFirst account holder dies
Contact ServisFirst — 5-step process, and 6 required documents
ServisFirst Bank, 2500 Woodcrest Place, Birmingham, AL 35209
ServisFirst Bank, 2500 Woodcrest Place, Birmingham, AL 35209
Client Support
ServisFirst Bank, 2500 Woodcrest Place, Birmingham, AL 35209
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's Client Support (1-866-922-5794) to claim the funds.
The claim process begins with a phone call to 1-866-922-5794. Have the account holder's full name, account numbers, and a certified death certificate available when making initial contact.
Death claim process
To file a claim after an account holder's death, here is what ServisFirst requires:
Filing a claim
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for the claimant
- Proof of authority: Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, Small Estate Affidavit, or trust documentation as applicable
- POD beneficiary account: beneficiary presents the death certificate and ID to claim funds
- Trust-titled account: successor trustee presents the trust agreement and death certificate
- Probate-required account: submit court-issued Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Government-issued photo ID for the claimant
- Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if probate is required)
- Trust agreement (if account is held in trust)
- Small Estate Affidavit (if estate qualifies under applicable state law)
- POD beneficiary claimant ID (if account has named beneficiary)
What to know at this institution
ServisFirst Bank does not publish a dedicated estate services portal or centralized estate claims department. Contact your local banking office directly or call Client Support at 866-922-5794 to initiate the death claim process. As a relationship-based bank, your local banker will coordinate the required steps.
Prepare your letter of instruction to ServisFirst
ServisFirst accepts a claimant-drafted letter of instruction. We draft it for you — addressed to ServisFirst's verified claims department, with the documents it requires enclosed.
Build your letter of instructionOpening an account for the estate itself
Checks made out to the estate deposit into an account titled to the estate, opened by the appointed executor or administrator under the estate's EIN.
How to open an estate account at ServisFirst →Documentation required by ServisFirst includes Certified copy of the death certificate, Government-issued photo ID for the claimant, and Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration (if probate is required), along with additional paperwork that varies by account type. All death certificates and court documents must be certified copies.
Frequently asked questions
POD (Payable on Death) beneficiary designation is handled in person at a local ServisFirst branch or by calling Client Support at 866-922-5794. Online banking does not support beneficiary changes. Bring government-issued photo ID and the beneficiary's full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and their relationship to you. For multiple beneficiaries, specify the percentage allocation for each.
Visit your local ServisFirst Bank office or call Client Support at 866-922-5794. Bring or have available a certified copy of the death certificate, your government-issued ID, and documentation of your authority (proof of beneficiary designation, Letters Testamentary, trust agreement, or other applicable authority). Your local banker will coordinate the required claim steps.
ServisFirst's Client Support can be reached by phone at 1-866-922-5794 for questions throughout the claims process.
When the deceased had multiple ServisFirst accounts, some may need separate claims while others can be handled together. The Client Support can clarify what's needed for each account type.
Sources
Data sourced from ServisFirst primary sources (18 pages reviewed). How we research.
ServisFirst Bank, 2500 Woodcrest Place, Birmingham, AL 35209
ServisFirst Bank, 2500 Woodcrest Place, Birmingham, AL 35209
Client Support
ServisFirst Bank, 2500 Woodcrest Place, Birmingham, AL 35209
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