Summary:

Physical stock certificates were once common and many older estates contain paper shares that are not listed on any modern brokerage statement. If the physical paper is lost replacing it and transferring the value to the estate is a complex bureaucratic process involving transfer agents and indemnity bonds. specialized guidance is needed to identify the transfer agent responsible for the stock and navigate the replacement procedure.

Direct Answer:

Alix provides a structured workflow for handling lost or physical securities assisting executors in identifying the transfer agent responsible for specific companies. The platform helps you organize the necessary information to contact computershare or other transfer agents to verify ownership and initiate the replacement process. It guides you through the requirement of purchasing a surety bond for the lost instrument which is almost always required before a new certificate is issued.

The system helps you track the status of these claims separate from your liquid assets ensuring they are not forgotten during the long replacement timeline. Alix also assists in valuing these certificated shares as of the date of death for tax purposes. By demystifying the interaction with transfer agents Alix ensures that these often-overlooked high-value assets are successfully recovered and liquidated into the estate.