03 - REQUEST

Find out what they require.

DISCOVER → REVIEW → REQUEST → SUBMIT → VERIFY → COMPLETE

ASK FIRST. PREPARE SECOND.

REQUEST is not where you decide what should happen.

REQUEST is where you determine what the institution requires to carry out the action established during REVIEW.

Before You Contact the Institution

Have this information available when applicable:

☐ Institution name
☐ Account or policy type
☐ Last four digits
☐ Name currently shown on account
☐ Trust name and date
☐ Trustee name(s)
☐ Certificate of Trust
☐ Intended action established during REVIEW

What Should I Ask?

When you contact the institution, ask:

• What is your process for this type of change?
• Do you have a specific current form?
• What supporting documentation is required?
• Is notarization required?
• Is a Medallion Signature Guarantee required?
• Are originals or certified documents required?
• How should the documents be submitted?
• How long does processing normally take?
• How will I know the change is complete?
• What confirmation or reference number applies?

Your REQUEST Tool

Institution Requirements Tracker™

Use this tool to document exactly what the institution tells you, including required forms and documents, submission method, expected processing time, follow-up date, and what proof of completion you should receive.

The No Surprises Test™

Before moving forward, ask yourself:

Do I know what they require, how they want it submitted, how long it should take, and what proof I should receive?

If the answer is no, stay in REQUEST until you have the missing information.

Before You Hang Up™

Before ending a conversation with an institution, ask:

1. Is there anything else you need from me?
2. What happens next?
3. When should I expect that to happen?
4. If I don't see it by then, when should I follow up?
5. Is there a confirmation or reference number for today's conversation?

Write it down before you hang up.

If the Institution Says Something Different

If what the institution tells you conflicts with what you expected:

☐ Document what they told you.
☐ Ask whether an appropriate trust, estate, legal, transfer, or other specialized department handles the request.
☐ Obtain requirements in writing when reasonably available.
☐ Return to REVIEW if the issue affects the intended planning decision.
☐ Obtain appropriate professional guidance when necessary.

REQUEST COMPLETE?

Before continuing:

☐ I know what the institution requires.
☐ I have the current forms.
☐ I know the required supporting documents and signatures.
☐ I know how to submit.
☐ I know the expected processing time.
☐ I know when to follow up.
☐ I know what evidence I should expect.
☐ Institution Requirements Tracker™ updated.
☐ Master Trust Funding Dashboard™ updated.

READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

Once you know exactly what the institution requires, you are ready to prepare and carry out the action.