What Happens to Your Morgan Stanley Shareworks Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Type
Employee Stock Plan Administration
Urgency
URGENT — options may expire
Key Risk
Post-termination exercise windows apply
Documents Needed
Death certificate, Letters Testamentary
Step-by-Step Guide
Contact employer HR about stock plan
Notify the employer's HR or equity administration team about the death. They will coordinate with Morgan Stanley Shareworks to initiate the estate claim process. Ask about any time-sensitive exercise windows for stock options.
Estimated time: Within days
Contact Morgan Stanley Shareworks directly
Call the Shareworks participant services line (provided by the employer) to report the death. They will provide the estate claim forms and instructions. Have the deceased's employee ID, SSN, and your authority documents ready.
Review all stock plan holdings
Request a complete statement of the deceased's stock plan holdings: vested and unvested stock options, RSUs, ESPP shares, and any previously exercised shares held in the account. Note exercise prices and expiration dates.
Estimated time: 1-2 weeks
Process estate transfer
Complete the estate claim paperwork and submit all required documents. Morgan Stanley will transfer the eligible shares and proceeds to the estate. This process can take several weeks depending on the complexity of the holdings.
Estimated time: 4-8 weeks
Document Now Checklist
- Employer name
- Shareworks account number
- Vested shares and options
- Exercise prices and expiration dates
- ESPP enrollment status
- Shareworks login email
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Start your vault — free for 30 daysLast verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Morgan Stanley Shareworks. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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