Overview
Raymond James Bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Raymond James Financial, providing FDIC-insured deposit and lending products to clients of the firm. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify Raymond James Bank to secure the assets and begin the transfer process.
This guide covers the specific requirements for Raymond James Bank accounts, including checking, savings, mortgages, and securities-based lines of credit. Note that if the deceased also held a brokerage account with Raymond James & Associates or Raymond James Financial Services, you may need to coordinate with their specific financial advisor as well.
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 Raymond James Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Raymond James Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting the bank, have the following ready:
- Decedent's full legal name and date of birth
- Date of death
- Social Security number
- Account numbers (checking, savings, mortgage, or loan numbers)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call Client Services
Contact Raymond James Bank's client services team to report the death:
- Phone: (800) 718-2265
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET
When you reach an agent, inform them you are reporting the death of an account holder. They will:
- Verify the decedent's identity
- Place a deceased flag on the account(s), which freezes automatic payments, online access, and seals any safe deposit boxes
- Provide a reference number for your case
- Explain which documents are needed based on the specific account types (e.g., mortgage vs. checking)
- Confirm the mailing address for documents
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mail the required documents (typically a certified death certificate and letter of instruction) to the bank's processing center.
Mailing Address (USPS):
Raymond James Bank
P.O. Box 23558
St. Petersburg, FL 33742
Overnight/Courier Address:
Raymond James Bank
710 Carillon Parkway
St. Petersburg, FL 33716
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After Raymond James Bank receives your documents, expect:
- Document review: 5–10 business days
- Account restriction/closure: Immediate upon review
- Follow-up: You will receive a letter or call if additional forms (like an Affidavit of Domicile) are required.
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Deposit Accounts: Funds are typically issued via check to the estate or surviving joint owner.
- Loans/Mortgages: The estate will receive information on payoff amounts or assumption options.
Required Documents
Documents Raymond James 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 (not a photocopy) |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account or acting as executor |
| Letter of Instruction | Signed request detailing how to handle the assets (close account, transfer, etc.) |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Issued by the probate court — must be certified and dated within 60 days |
| 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 appointing the administrator |
| EIN | For the estate |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small estate affidavit | State-specific form used when total assets fall below the state's probate limit |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary claim form | Provided by Raymond James Bank upon notification |
| Beneficiary's ID | Copy of driver's license or passport |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust certification or abstract | Identifying the successor trustee |
| Successor trustee identification | Government-issued photo ID |
| Certified death certificate | Of the deceased trustee |
Account Types
How Raymond James Bank 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. The account usually remains open, and funds remain accessible to the survivor.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds by providing a death certificate and ID. Raymond James Bank may require a new account to be opened to facilitate the transfer before funds can be withdrawn or moved elsewhere.
Timeline: 10–15 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee takes control of the account after providing a trust certification and death certificate. The account number may change depending on the trust terms.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation are frozen until the court appoints an executor. You must provide Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration.
Timeline: 3–6+ months (depending on probate court)
Mortgages and Loans
Mortgages are not automatically extinguished by death. The estate or heir must continue making payments.
- Successor in Interest: Heirs can apply to be recognized as the "successor in interest" to receive information about the loan.
- Assumption: In many cases, a surviving spouse or heir can assume the mortgage without refinancing.
Timeline: Varies by situation
Safe Deposit Boxes
If the deceased held a safe deposit box, it is sealed immediately upon notification of death. Access is granted only to the court-appointed representative or joint renter to inventory contents.
Timeline: Requires court order or specific state procedures
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Raymond James Bank Process
Raymond James Bank 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 states like AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, and WI
- Safe deposit box access — some states require a bank official or state auditor to be present when opening the box
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida (HQ) | $75,000 | No | "Disposition of Personal Property without Administration" available for very small estates |
| California | $184,500 | Yes | 40-day waiting period for small estate affidavits |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Small Estate Affidavit available for solvent estates with no will |
| New York | $50,000 | No | Voluntary Administration for small estates |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long Raymond James Bank Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 5–10 business days | Just need death certificate |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 10–15 business days | Verification of beneficiary identity |
| Trust account | 10–20 business days | Review of trust documents |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Legal review of affidavit |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Depends on court issuing Letters |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–12+ months | Disputes, taxes, or multiple jurisdictions |
Note: Timelines start once Raymond James Bank receives all required documents in good order.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Use the Deceased's Debit Card
Never use the deceased person's debit card or checks after they have passed away, even for funeral expenses. This is considered fraud and can complicate the estate process.
Safe Deposit Box Sealing
If you need a will located in a safe deposit box, notify the bank immediately. Most states allow a limited search for a will or burial instructions before the formal estate process begins.
Coordinate with the Financial Advisor
If the deceased had a Raymond James brokerage account, the financial advisor is often the best starting point. They can help coordinate with Raymond James Bank for any banking products linked to the investment accounts.
Keep the Case Number Handy
When you first call Client Services, write down the case number or reference number provided. Use this on all correspondence to speed up processing.
Automatic Payments
Once the account is frozen, all automatic payments (utilities, subscriptions) will be rejected. Ensure you make alternative payment arrangements for essential bills like electricity or insurance.