Overview
SouthState Bank is a leading regional bank in the Southeast, serving customers across Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. With approximately $66 billion in assets, it provides a full range of banking and wealth management services. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify SouthState Bank and follow their specific process to transfer or close accounts.
This guide covers SouthState's estate services requirements, the step-by-step notification process, required documents, and realistic timelines for different account types. Since SouthState operates in multiple states, state-specific probate requirements will affect your process.
SouthState typically handles estate matters through its centralized Deposit Operations department or local branches rather than a public-facing "Estate Unit."
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 SouthState Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify SouthState Bank of a Death
Step 1: Gather Initial Information
Before contacting SouthState Bank, 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 Care or Visit a Branch
SouthState Bank does not have a direct public line for an estate department. You must initiate the process through general customer care or a local branch.
- Phone: (800) 277-2175
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 8 PM ET; Sat 8 AM – 5 PM ET
- In-Person: Visit a local branch with the death certificate to expedite the process.
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)
- Provide the specific mailing address or fax number for documents if you are not in a branch
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
If you cannot visit a branch, mail the following to SouthState's operations center:
{Reference the requiredDocuments section}
Mail to:
SouthState Bank, National Association
Attn: Estate Services / Deposit Operations
P.O. Box 118068
Charleston, SC 29423
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After SouthState receives your documents, expect:
- Acknowledgment: 5–7 business days
- Document review completion: 2–4 weeks
- Follow-up if additional documents needed: 2–3 weeks
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once all documents are approved:
- Check: A cashier's check is typically mailed to the estate representative or beneficiary.
- Transfer: Funds can be transferred to an existing SouthState account.
Required Documents
Documents SouthState 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 or certified copy required |
| Government-issued photo ID | Of the person claiming the account |
| SouthState estate claim form | Provided by the bank after notification |
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., FL, SC, GA, NC, TN, TX rules apply) |
Beneficiary / POD / TOD Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Usually the only document needed |
| Beneficiary claim form | Provided by SouthState |
| Beneficiary's ID | 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 SouthState Bank Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
SouthState Bank joint accounts typically carry the Right of Survivorship. The surviving joint owner needs only a certified death certificate to remove the decedent's name. Funds remain accessible to the survivor throughout the process.
Timeline: 1–5 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death) Beneficiary Accounts
Named beneficiaries claim funds by presenting a death certificate, ID, and a beneficiary claim form. These assets bypass probate.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Trust Accounts
The successor trustee must provide a trust certification (or trust abstract) and the death certificate. The account ownership is updated to the successor trustee.
Timeline: 7–15 business days
Individual Accounts (Probate Required)
Accounts held solely in the decedent's name with no beneficiary designation require court-appointed Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration. The bank will freeze the account until these documents are received.
Timeline: 3–12+ months depending on probate
Retirement Accounts (IRA)
Named beneficiaries must complete an inherited IRA form and provide a death certificate. Distribution options (lump sum, 10-year rule) depend on the relationship to the deceased and SECURE Act rules.
Timeline: 10–20 business days
Credit Cards and Loans
SouthState will freeze credit lines upon notification. Outstanding balances are an obligation of the estate. If the account was joint, the survivor may be liable.
Timeline: Settled during estate administration
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the SouthState Process
SouthState operates in Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Probate laws vary significantly by state.
- Florida: Formal administration is common; "Summary Administration" available for estates <$75,000.
- Texas: Independent Administration is streamlined; Small Estate Affidavit available for estates <$75,000 (excluding homestead).
- North Carolina: "Collection by Affidavit" available for smaller estates.
- South Carolina: Simplified probate for estates <$25,000.
- Tennessee: Small estate procedures available for estates meeting state thresholds.
Key State Variations
| State | Small Estate Threshold | Community Property? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $75,000 | No | Summary Administration available |
| Texas | $75,000 | Yes | Independent Administration is common |
| Georgia | No set limit | No | "Petition for Order Declaring No Administration" |
| North Carolina | $20,000 ($30,000 spousal) | No | Collection by Affidavit |
| South Carolina | $25,000 | No | Simplified probate process |
| Tennessee | $50,000 | No | Small estate affidavit available |
For detailed probate requirements, see our state and county probate guides.
Timelines
How Long SouthState Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 1–5 business days | Immediate access for survivor |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Claim form processing time |
| Trust account | 7–15 business days | Trust review by legal dept |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Legal review of affidavit |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Court appointment process |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–18+ months | Tax clearance or disputes |
| Retirement accounts | 10–20 business days | Beneficiary paperwork |
SouthState's centralized operations in Charleston, SC handle most reviews, which can add mailing time if you do not visit a branch.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Do Not Withdraw Funds Before Notifying SouthState
Withdrawing funds via ATM or online banking after the date of death is technically fraud if you are not a joint owner. SouthState may reverse these transactions.
10-Day Rule
SouthState's agreement allows them to pay checks drawn before death for up to 10 days after death, unless ordered to stop payment.
Federal Benefit Reclamations
Social Security and VA benefits deposited after the date of death will be automatically returned to the government. Do not spend these funds.
Right of Setoff
SouthState has the right to use funds in a deposit account to pay off debts the decedent owed to the bank (e.g., credit cards, loans), except for IRA or HSA accounts.
Keep the Case Number
When you first call (800) 277-2175, write down the case number or the name of the representative. You will need this for follow-up calls.
Automatic Payments
Once the "deceased flag" is placed, all auto-drafts (utilities, subscriptions) will be rejected. Notify service providers immediately to avoid service interruptions.