Overview
Umpqua Bank has merged with Columbia Bank, and as of late 2025, branches and systems operate under the Columbia Bank brand. While you may still see the Umpqua name on older documents or checks, the estate process is handled by Columbia Bank's centralized teams.
Columbia Bank is a leading regional bank in the Northwest, serving customers across Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, and Nevada. When an account holder passes away, the estate representative must notify the bank to secure the accounts and begin the transfer process.
This guide covers the notification process for Umpqua/Columbia Bank accounts, including the required documents and what to expect during the transition.
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 Columbia Bank and consider consulting a qualified attorney.
Notification Process
How to Notify Umpqua Bank (Columbia 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 (check for both Umpqua and Columbia Bank statements)
- Your name and relationship to the decedent
- A certified copy of the death certificate
Step 2: Call Customer Care or Visit a Branch
Since Umpqua Bank is now Columbia Bank, you can initiate the process through their main customer care line or at any local branch.
- Phone: (866) 486-7782
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 AM – 6 PM PT; Sat–Sun, 8 AM – 5 PM PT
What to expect:
When you call, a representative will verify the decedent's information and place a deceased flag on the account. This freezes the account to prevent unauthorized withdrawals and stops automatic payments. They will then direct you to the specific estate processing team or advise you to mail documents to their operations center in Spokane.
Visiting a Branch:
If you are near a Columbia Bank branch (formerly Umpqua), visiting in person is often the fastest way to submit documents. A banker can scan your certified death certificate and forward it to the back-office estate team immediately.
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
If you cannot visit a branch, you will likely need to mail documents to their correspondence center.
Mail to:
Columbia Bank
Attn: Estate Services / Customer Care
PO Box 2224
Spokane, WA 99210
Note: Always include a cover letter with your contact information and the case reference number if one was provided during your call.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After the bank receives your documents, the review process typically takes:
- Initial review: 3–5 business days
- Funds release (simple accounts): 7–10 business days
- Complex estates: Several weeks depending on probate requirements
Step 5: Receive Funds / Transfer Assets
Once approved, funds are typically released via:
- Cashier's check mailed to the estate representative
- Transfer to an existing Columbia Bank account
- Wire transfer to an external estate account
Required Documents
Documents Umpqua/Columbia Bank Requires
The documents needed depend on how the account was titled and the total value of the estate.
Always Required
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Certified death certificate | Original certified copy (not a photocopy) |
| Government-issued photo ID | Driver's license or passport of the person claiming the account |
| Affidavit of Claimant | Bank-specific form provided by the representative |
If There Is a Will (Testate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters Testamentary | Court-issued document appointing the Executor |
| EIN (Employer Identification Number) | Required to open an Estate Account |
If There Is No Will (Intestate Estate)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Letters of Administration | Court-issued document appointing the Administrator |
| EIN | Required to open an Estate Account |
Small Estate (Below Probate Threshold)
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Small Estate Affidavit | State-specific form (e.g., Washington or Oregon Small Estate Affidavit) |
Trust Accounts
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Trust Certification / Abstract | Identifying the successor trustee |
| Successor Trustee ID | Photo ID of the new trustee |
Account Types
How Umpqua/Columbia Bank Handles Different Account Types
Joint Accounts (JTWROS)
For accounts with "Rights of Survivorship," the surviving owner simply needs to present a certified death certificate. The decedent's name is removed, and the survivor retains full access to the funds.
Timeline: 1–5 business days
POD (Payable on Death) / TOD (Transfer on Death)
Named beneficiaries can claim funds directly by providing a death certificate and photo ID. No probate is required.
Timeline: 5–10 business days
Individual Accounts (Sole Owner)
If the account is in the decedent's name only (no beneficiary), it becomes part of the estate. You will need Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or a Small Estate Affidavit to access funds.
Timeline: 3–6+ months (depends on probate court)
Trust Accounts
Assets held in a Living Trust bypass probate. The Successor Trustee named in the trust document takes control after presenting the death certificate and trust pages.
Timeline: 5–15 business days
Safe Deposit Boxes
Access rules vary by state. Generally, a co-renter has immediate access. If the decedent was the sole renter, you may need a court order or specific state affidavit to drill or inventory the box.
Timeline: Varies by state law
State Considerations
How Your State Affects the Process
Since Umpqua/Columbia Bank operates primarily in the Pacific Northwest and West, state laws significantly impact the process.
Washington
- Probate Threshold: Estates under $100,000 may qualify for the Small Estate Affidavit process.
- Waiting Period: You must wait 40 days after death to use the Small Estate Affidavit.
Oregon
- Probate Threshold: Estates under $275,000 (with specific sub-limits for personal vs. real property) may use a Small Estate Affidavit.
- Waiting Period: 30 days after death.
California
- Probate Threshold: Estates under $208,850 (adjusted periodically) may qualify for the small estate process.
- Waiting Period: 40 days after death.
Idaho
- Probate Threshold: Estates under $100,000 may use a Small Estate Affidavit.
- Waiting Period: 30 days after death.
For detailed probate requirements, see our state probate guides.
Timelines
How Long It Takes to Release Funds
| Account Type | Estimated Timeline | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Joint account | 1–5 business days | Immediate access for surviving signer |
| POD/TOD beneficiary | 5–10 business days | Depends on beneficiary verifying identity |
| Trust account | 5–15 business days | Document review by legal department |
| Small estate affidavit | 2–4 weeks | Includes mandatory state waiting periods |
| Probate (simple estate) | 3–6 months | Court appointment process takes time |
| Probate (complex estate) | 6–12+ months | Tax filings and creditor periods |
Note: Timelines start once the bank receives all correct documents.
Tips & Pitfalls
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Check for "Umpqua" and "Columbia" Accounts
Due to the merger, the decedent might have accounts under both brand names. Ask the representative to search the system for both "Umpqua Bank" and "Columbia Bank" profiles to ensure nothing is missed.
Do Not Use the ATM Card
Do not use the decedent's debit card or online banking after they pass away, even for funeral expenses. This is considered unauthorized access and can lead to legal trouble.
Automatic Payments
Once the deceased flag is placed, all automatic bill pays (utilities, subscriptions) will stop. Review the decedent's bank statements to identify bills that need to be paid by other means.
Keep the Case Number
When you first call (866) 486-7782, write down the case number or the name of the banker you speak with. This will speed up future calls.
FDIC Coverage
For joint accounts, FDIC coverage limits may change after a death. Generally, the FDIC provides a 6-month grace period where the account remains fully insured as if the decedent were still alive.