Overview
Franklin Templeton is a global investment management organization with over $1.5 trillion in assets under management. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Franklin Templeton's Investor Services team to secure the assets and initiate the transfer process.
This guide covers Franklin Templeton's estate services department, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Franklin Templeton operates nationally, so state-specific probate requirements will affect your process.
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 Franklin Templeton and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Franklin Templeton of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting Franklin Templeton, 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 (for reference)
Step 2: Call the Account Services Department
Contact Franklin Templeton's shareholder services team to report the death:
- Phone: (800) 632-2301
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM ET
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
- Explain which documents are needed based on account type(s) (e.g., Transfer on Death, Joint, or Estate)
- Mail you the appropriate forms (or direct you to download them)
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the following to Franklin Templeton's estate processing center:
{Reference the requiredDocuments section}
Regular Mail:
Franklin Templeton Investor Services
P.O. Box 33033
St. Petersburg, FL 33733-8033
Overnight Mail:
Franklin Templeton Investor Services
100 Fountain Parkway N
St. Petersburg, FL 33716-1205
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Franklin Templeton receives your documents, expect:
- Acknowledgment letter: 5–7 business days
- Document review completion: 2–3 weeks
- Follow-up if additional documents needed: 2–3 weeks
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- In-Kind Transfer: Assets are moved to a new Franklin Templeton account in the beneficiary's name.
- Liquidation: Assets are sold and a check is mailed to the beneficiary or estate.
Required Documents
Documents Franklin Templeton 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 |
| Change of Ownership Form | Specific to the account type (e.g., Non-Retirement Change of Ownership) |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified and dated within 60 days |
| Affidavit of Domicile | Often required for estate transfers |
| Medallion Signature Guarantee | Required on forms for transfers over certain amounts (usually $100k+) |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Issued by the probate court |
| Affidavit of Domicile | Confirms the decedent's state of residence |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small estate affidavit | State-specific — check our state probate guides |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| TOD Beneficiary Claim Form | Specific form for Transfer on Death accounts |
| Beneficiary's ID and tax information | W-9 form |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust certification | Confirms the successor trustee |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Franklin Templeton 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 throughout.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds with a death certificate, ID, and TOD Beneficiary Claim Form. No probate required.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee provides a trust certification, death certificate, and ID. No probate required.
Timeline: 10–15 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. A Medallion Signature Guarantee is often required on the transfer forms.
Timeline: 3–6+ months depending on probate
Retirement Accounts (IRA, 401(k))
Named beneficiaries complete an IRA Beneficiary Claim Form and provide a death certificate. Distribution options depend on SECURE Act rules (e.g., 10-year rule).
Timeline: 7–15 business days
529 Education Savings Accounts
If the account owner dies, the successor owner named on the account takes control. If no successor is named, probate documents may be required.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Franklin Templeton Process
Franklin Templeton operates nationally, but probate is governed by state law. Your state determines:
- Whether probate is required and how long it takes
- Small estate thresholds — estates below certain values can skip formal probate
- Community property rules — in the 9 community property states (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)
- Creditor claim periods — how long creditors have to file claims
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $184,500 | Yes | 40-day waiting period for small estates |
| Florida | $75,000 | No | Summary administration available for small estates |
| New York | $50,000 | No | Voluntary Administration for small estates |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Small Estate Affidavit available |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Franklin Templeton Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 5–10 business days | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Beneficiary claim form + death cert |
| Trust account | 10–15 business days | Trust certification + death cert |
| Small estate affidavit | 4–8 weeks | Waiting period varies by state |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court processing time |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
| Retirement accounts | 7–15 business days | Named beneficiary required |
Franklin Templeton typically reviews submitted documents within 2–3 weeks. If a Medallion Signature Guarantee is missing or incorrect, this will restart the clock.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying Franklin Templeton
Withdrawing funds before notification can create legal and tax complications.
Medallion Signature Guarantee (MSG)
Franklin Templeton often requires an MSG for estate transfers, especially for amounts over $100,000. This is a special stamp from a bank officer (not a notary) that guarantees your signature.
Federal Benefit Payments Will Be Reclaimed
Social Security, VA, and other federal benefits deposited after death will be reclaimed by the government.
Keep Records of All Communications
- Save the case number from your initial call
- Send documents via certified mail with return receipt
- Note the name of every representative you speak with
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
Request Multiple Certified Death Certificates
Order at least 5–10 certified copies — you'll need them for other institutions, the court, and government agencies.
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.