What Happens to Stocks and Bonds after Someone Dies? | Illinois Probate and Estate Administration

Article written by Illinois Attorney Kevin O’Flaherty

In this article, we explain how to transfer stocks and bonds after someone dies. We also answer the questions, “How to determine what stocks and bonds the decedent owns”, “How to determine whether stocks and bonds should be part of a probate estate”, as well as How to transfer sticks and bonds after someone dies”, and “What if you can’t find stock certificates and bonds when someone dies.”

One of the responsibilities of an executor or estate administrator (collectively known as the “personal representative” of the estate) is to collect the assets of the deceased individual (“the decedent”) and disburse those assets to creditors and beneficiaries of the estate.

How to Determine What Stocks and Bonds the Decedent Owned

In order to determine what stocks and bonds the decedent owned, the personal representative should check the decedent’s personal files, safe deposit box, and mail for the following:

• Physical stock and bond certificates;
• Statements from financial institutions such as banks, brokers, and advisors showing stock or bond ownership; and
• Statements from corporations showing that the decedent owned corporate stock.