Overview
First Horizon Bank is a leading regional financial institution in the Southeast, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Following its merger with IberiaBank, it serves customers across 12 states with approximately $80 billion in assets. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify First Horizon and follow their specific process to transfer or close accounts.
This guide covers First Horizon's estate services process, including the step-by-step notification procedure, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. First Horizon operates primarily in the Southeast (TN, NC, FL, LA, TX, SC, GA, AR, MS, VA, KY, AL), so state-specific probate requirements will significantly affect your process.
First Horizon utilizes a centralized "Fulfillment Operations Department" in Knoxville for processing estate documents.
This guide provides informational guidance only. It is not legal advice, and SwiftProbate is not a law firm. Laws and institutional procedures change — verify current requirements directly with First Horizon Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify First Horizon Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting First Horizon, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (if known)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call Customer Service
First Horizon does not publish a direct line for a dedicated "Estate Unit" for initial intake. You must call the general customer service line and request to speak with a representative regarding a deceased account.
- Phone: (800) 382-5465
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET (Estate specialists are typically available during these hours)
When you reach an agent, they will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes automatic payments and online access
- Provide a case number or reference number — write this down
- Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s)
- Confirm the mailing address for documents
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the required documents (typically a certified death certificate and court appointments) to First Horizon's fulfillment center.
Mail to:
First Horizon Bank
Fulfillment Operations Department
6522 Chapman Hwy., Suite 110
Knoxville, TN 37920
Note: First Horizon has a specific form "Verification of Account for an Estate" (Form DC200590) often used by third parties or executors to verify assets. There is typically a fee ($30.00) associated with this specific verification request if you are not yet the recognized account owner.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After First Horizon receives your documents, expect:
- Acknowledgment: 3–5 business days after receipt
- Document review completion: 2–4 weeks
- Follow-up if additional documents needed: 2–4 weeks
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Joint accounts are updated to the surviving owner.
- Beneficiary accounts are paid out via check or transferred to a new account.
- Estate accounts are opened for probate assets (requires EIN).
Required Documents
Documents First Horizon Bank Requires
The exact documents depend on account type, account value, and whether the estate is going through probate.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Original certified copy required |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| Estate Claim Form / Letter of Instruction | Provided by the bank agent |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified and dated within 60 days |
| Copy of the will | Often required for reference |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | For the estate, if opening an estate account |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small estate affidavit | State-specific form (e.g., Tennessee Small Estate Affidavit) |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary claim form | Provided by First Horizon |
| Beneficiary's ID and tax information | W-9 form |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust certification or abstract | Proving the successor trustee's authority |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How First Horizon Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
The surviving joint owner typically needs only a certified death certificate to have the decedent's name removed. Funds remain accessible to the survivor, though the account may be briefly frozen while the death certificate is processed.
Timeline: 3–7 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds with a death certificate, ID, and beneficiary claim form. No probate required.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee provides a trust certification, death certificate, and ID. The account title is updated to reflect the new trustee.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation require Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration from probate court. First Horizon will freeze these accounts until the executor is appointed.
Timeline: 3–12+ months depending on probate
Retirement Accounts (IRA)
Named beneficiaries complete an inherited IRA form and provide a death certificate. Distribution options depend on SECURE Act rules (typically a 10-year distribution rule for non-spouse beneficiaries).
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
Outstanding balances on credit cards are generally the responsibility of the estate. First Horizon will freeze the card to prevent new charges.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the First Horizon Process
First Horizon operates primarily in the Southeast (TN, NC, FL, LA, TX, SC, GA, AR, MS, VA, KY, AL). Probate laws vary significantly by state.
- Tennessee: Simplified probate is available for small estates (under $50,000).
- Florida: Has specific "Summary Administration" for estates under $75,000.
- Texas: Offers a "Muniment of Title" for probating a will without administration.
- Community Property: LA and TX are community property states, which may affect how assets are characterized.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $50,000 | No | Affidavit process available |
| Florida | $75,000 | No | Summary Administration available |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Muniment of Title option |
| North Carolina | $20,000 ($30,000 if spouse) | No | Collection by Affidavit |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long First Horizon Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 3–7 business days | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Beneficiary claim form + death cert |
| Trust account | 10–20 business days | Trust certification review |
| Small estate affidavit | 4–8 weeks | Legal review of affidavit |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court processing time |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Retirement accounts | 10–20 business days | Named beneficiary required |
Note: First Horizon's centralized processing in Knoxville can sometimes add mailing time to the process.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying First Horizon
Withdrawing funds via ATM or online banking after the death is technically fraud and can create significant legal headaches for the estate.
Federal Benefit Payments Will Be Reclaimed
Social Security, VA, and other federal benefits deposited after the date of death will be reclaimed by the government. Do not spend these funds.
Verification Fees
First Horizon charges fees (e.g., $30.00) for certain third-party verification requests (Form DC200590). Ensure you clarify if this fee applies to your standard death notification or only if you need a formal verification letter for court.
Keep Records of All Communications
- Save the case number from your initial call
- Send documents via certified mail with return receipt to the Knoxville address
- Note the name of every representative you speak with
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
Automatic Payments and Direct Deposits
Once the deceased flag is placed:
- Automatic payments will be declined
- Direct deposits will be returned
- Online/mobile banking will be disabled
Notify billers and payers separately.