Estate planning: Help protect what matters most.
Whether you want to secure your legacy, provide for your family, or are handling the passing of a loved one, we're here to help.
What is an estate plan?
While everyone's estate plan will look different, it should be designed to provide clear direction for how your assets should be managed after you're gone, reducing uncertainty for those you care about and ensuring your wishes are honored. This is especially important when assets or family members span multiple countries where local laws—not your own intentions—may determine what happens if no plan is in place.
Safeguards
An estate plan helps protect your loved ones and their financial future.
Solidifies
An estate plan helps ensure your directives are followed according to local laws.
Streamlines
An estate plan can greatly simplify the inheritance and probate process.
Do I need an estate plan?
Everyone should have an estate plan. It's not about how old you are or how much you have—it's about protecting your values and your loved ones. See how an estate plan can benefit you, no matter your life stage or family situation.
Even if you're just starting out or are living life on your own, an estate plan helps ensure your wishes are followed if something unexpected happens. It lets you choose who makes decisions for you and where your assets go, helping you stay in control and reduce uncertainty as you build your future.
An estate plan helps take care of your family throughout life's ups and downs. It gives clear guidance during moments like marriage, new children, blended families, or loss, so loved ones aren't left guessing. By keeping your plan up to date, you can adapt as your family grows and changes—offering reassurance, clarity, and protection for today and tomorrow.
A well-designed plan can help preserve wealth across generations, reducing exposure to taxes and ensuring assets are distributed exactly as you intend. It can create a clear framework for more complex goals, such as supporting your heirs responsibly, protecting family privacy, and directing charitable giving in a meaningful, lasting way.
If you have a child or family member that needs ongoing care, an estate plan helps make sure the right people can make those decisions for you—and that your loved ones are cared for the way you'd want. By naming health care decision makers and guardians in advance, you provide the clear guidance and protection they need.
Peace of mind begins with a plan.
Whether you're creating an estate plan for the first time or refreshing one you already have, we're here to support you along the way—starting with a few simple things you can do to help turn your intentions into a clear, confident plan.
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Working with an estate planning professional can make a big difference. They can help you think through important decisions, spot gaps you might miss, explain your options in clear language, and make sure your plan accurately reflects your wishes.
If you're creating a plan for the first time or just updating one as life changes, having an experienced specialist on your side can help ensure your estate plan is clear, up to date, and built to work the way you intend.
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A trusted contact is someone we can reach if there's a concern about your account or if we're having trouble getting in touch with you. While optional, we strongly recommend that you choose one. If you do, let them know where your important documents are and share a simple list of your accounts and policies to make things easier if they're ever needed.
Complete Add a Trusted Contact form to add up to two trusted contacts for your Schwab accounts.
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For some accounts, Schwab lets you add a designated beneficiary. It's important that you talk with your estate planning professional about whether a designated beneficiary makes sense for you—and have them review the paperwork before you send it to Schwab.
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Creating a single place for all your estate details can make a big difference. Our Asset Inventory Worksheet provides a consolidated view of all the important details about your estate.
It helps your loved ones handle things more easily, clarifies how you want everything managed, and gives your estate planning attorney a clear starting point to understand your situation and build the right plan.
Working with an estate planning professional can make a big difference. They can help you think through important decisions, spot gaps you might miss, explain your options in clear language, and make sure your plan accurately reflects your wishes.
If you're creating a plan for the first time or just updating one as life changes, having an experienced specialist on your side can help ensure your estate plan is clear, up to date, and built to work the way you intend.
A trusted contact is someone we can reach if there's a concern about your account or if we're having trouble getting in touch with you. While optional, we strongly recommend that you choose one. If you do, let them know where your important documents are and share a simple list of your accounts and policies to make things easier if they're ever needed.
Complete Add a Trusted Contact form to add up to two trusted contacts for your Schwab accounts.
For some accounts, Schwab lets you add a designated beneficiary. It's important that you talk with your estate planning professional about whether a designated beneficiary makes sense for you—and have them review the paperwork before you send it to Schwab.
Creating a single place for all your estate details can make a big difference. Our Asset Inventory Worksheet provides a consolidated view of all the important details about your estate.
It helps your loved ones handle things more easily, clarifies how you want everything managed, and gives your estate planning attorney a clear starting point to understand your situation and build the right plan.
Should I use an estate planning attorney?
Because estate laws can differ by country, working with an experienced estate planning attorney can help ensure your plan reflects local rules and your personal goals. A knowledgeable professional can guide you through your options, flag potential issues, and help tailor a plan that fits your situation. It’s also worth taking time to speak with a few different attorneys so you can choose someone you trust and feel comfortable working with over the long term.
Read our What to Know About International Estate Planning article to learn more about common challenges you may face.
I'm handling the passing of a loved one. What do I need to do?
Losing someone you love is never easy, and managing financial responsibilities during this time can feel overwhelming. Schwab is here to support you with care and guidance—helping you focus on what matters most while we assist with the details that need attention.
What are IRS transfer certificate requirements?
For international clients, estate planning is an opportunity to bring clarity and confidence to how assets are transferred across borders. Understanding key U.S. government requirements can help ensure things move forward smoothly and according to plan. Below, you'll find the forms Schwab requires—and how each one helps support a more seamless transition after your passing.
Schwab may require a U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) transfer certificate (Form 5173) after your passing. This document certifies that your U.S. estate tax obligations have been met and allows us to transfer your assets to your beneficiaries.
Note: If your assets will be managed by an executor or administrator who is formally appointed, qualified, and acting within the United States, this transfer certificate is not required.
Depending on your residency and citizenship, the IRS has different filing requirements for requesting a transfer certificate:
- Nonresident U.S. citizens should review this IRS webpage for U.S. citizens to confirm their filing requirements.
- Nonresident, non‑U.S. citizens (NRNC) should review this IRS webpage for non-U.S. citizens to confirm their filing requirements.
Employees of Schwab are not estate planning attorneys and cannot offer tax or legal advice or create and prepare legal documents associated with such plans. Where such advice is necessary or appropriate, please consult a qualified legal or tax advisor.
Whether you're a nonresident, non-U.S. citizen, or a nonresident U.S. citizen, Schwab may require an IRS transfer certificate before releasing your account assets.
If you're a nonresident, non-U.S. citizen and own more than $60,000 in U.S.-based assets, Schwab—as custodian—could be held responsible for unpaid U.S. estate taxes. To protect us against this liability, we may restrict withdrawals or transfers (including from joint accounts) until the estate provides an IRS transfer certificate confirming all U.S. estate tax obligations have been satisfied.
A designated beneficiary or joint account ownership does not exempt the account or estate from potential U.S. estate taxes. These accounts may still be subject to estate tax review.
Frequently asked estate planning questions.
Yes, you generally can leave inheritance to someone in another country. However, the process can be more complex because the rules may depend on where you live, where the assets are located, and where the beneficiary lives. Taxes, local inheritance laws, and transfer requirements may also apply. Consider working with an estate planning attorney and tax adviser familiar with cross-border matters.
Consider working with a local estate planning attorney or tax adviser who has experience with cross-border estate matters. They can help you understand local laws, coordinate them with your U.S.-based assets and reduce the risk of delays or unintended outcomes. This kind of support can also help make sure your plan reflects your wishes and any relevant tax considerations. If you don't yet have an estate planning attorney or tax advisor, ask your friends, family, or accountant for a trusted recommendation.
A will alone may not be enough for Schwab to transfer assets, because Schwab generally works with the court-appointed representative for the estate. In some cases, no probate is required, so there may not be a court-appointed representative. By naming beneficiaries, you can help make the transfer process more direct and avoid unnecessary delays.
Estate laws vary from country to country, so it may be helpful to work with a local estate planning attorney or tax adviser who understands cross-border estate matters. They can help you understand how local laws may affect your estate plan and how it works with your U.S.-based assets. While an estate professional can help you create your overall plan, Schwab offers account-level options that can support those plans and help ensure your assets are handled according to your wishes. Depending on your needs, you may be able to name a designated beneficiary on some Schwab accounts. You can also add up to two trusted contacts to your accounts.
Schwab will assign an Estate Specialist to guide you through the estate transfer process and serve as your main point of contact. If you need additional support, you can also call the Estate Service Hotline at 888-297-0244.
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