Before changing advisors

Review the transfer before
you authorize it.

Account type, holdings, fees, tax sensitivity, proprietary products, and custodian requirements can all affect the process.

Preparation sequence

A change should begin with an inventory

This is a general preparation framework. The actual process depends on the account, custodians, holdings, agreements, and professionals involved.

Separate retirement, taxable, trust, employer-plan, banking, insurance, and other relationships.

Identify investments that may not transfer directly, may have surrender or transaction considerations, or need additional review.

Ask both sides about advisory, custodial, transaction, termination, product, and other possible charges.

Verify account registrations, beneficiaries, ownership, and destination details before authorizing movement.

Understand who initiates each step, what requires a signature, and how you will confirm completion.

Confirm positions, cash, cost-basis information where applicable, beneficiaries, and future service expectations.

Questions before signing

Some products or investment types may require a different process. Get the answer in writing before assuming.

If liquidation is discussed, ask a qualified professional about tax, market, product, and timing considerations.

Ask about termination, transfer, transaction, custodial, advisory, and product-level charges.

Clarify access, communication, expected timing, and who is responsible for monitoring each step.

Keep the decision reversible

You can review another advisor's approach and ask transfer questions before ending your current relationship or moving an account.

Do not share passwords or login credentials during a general evaluation.

Continue your review