Some of the common factors that influence the settlement include:
The type of financial product (stock, mutual fund, annuity contract, etc.), the unique features of that investment, and laws and regulations governing that investment.
The ownership registration of the account. Some common examples of ownership are: individual, joint, and trust.
The tax-qualified status of the account. For example, an account might be in a tax-qualified plan such as an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) or 403(b) Tax-Sheltered Annuity or Custodial Plan.
The role that the deceased had on the account. Examples may include owner, co-owner, plan participant, and trustee.