Estate planning and settlement at State Street
Name beneficiaries by mail, fund a trust by mail, and report a death at 1-800-242-0134
How your State Street investment accounts transfer at death depends on how each one is titled and whether a beneficiary is on file. Of those, 3 can name a trust as beneficiary or be retitled into a trust. Getting these details right keeps assets out of probate and ensures they reach the intended recipients.
Beneficiary changes at State Street can be made by mail. Accounts can also be retitled into a trust to keep them out of probate entirely.
State Street provides specific procedures for both proactive estate planning and filing claims after a death.
Beneficiaries and trust funding
How to fund a trust by mail, and review 4 account types at State Street.
Preparing your estate →Death claim process
Report the death to State Street's Shareholder Service Center at 1-800-242-0134. The page lists the steps and the documents to send.
When someone dies →
Sources
Data sourced from State Street primary sources (15 pages reviewed). How we research.
State Street customer support
Shareholder Service Center (direct fund accounts)
Phone
Shareholder Service Center, outside the United States
ETFs and mutual funds general inquiries
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your State Street accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
Forms for Planning Your Estate
Free forms for planning your estate: a will, living trust, pour-over will, both powers of attorney, living will, and TOD deed.
Last Will and Testament
Name your heirs, guardians, and final wishes. Free for every state.
Transfer on Death Deed
Transfer real property to a beneficiary upon your death without probate. Available in 34 states and the District of Columbia.
Vehicle Transfer on Death
Name a beneficiary to inherit your vehicle at death without probate. Available in 26 states and the District of Columbia.
Tools for Planning Your Estate
Free tools for planning your estate: what a will or trust costs, whether you need a trust or TOD deed, and how documents are signed.
How Do I Sign Estate Documents?
Find witness, notary, and remote signing requirements for all 50 states.
Will My Estate Documents Transfer?
Check if estate planning documents signed in one state are valid in another.
Trust or Will: Which Costs Less?
Compare the cost of probate vs a trust for your state and estate value.
How Much Does a Revocable Living Trust Cost?
Compare revocable living trust costs across providers including online services and attorneys.
How Much Does a Will Cost?
Compare will costs across providers plus probate costs your heirs will pay.
How Does SimplyTrust Compare to LegalZoom, Trust & Will, and Other Services?
Compare what it costs to make a trust official across SimplyTrust, LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker.
