The state forms that we use for UTMA accounts provide for a successor custodian, but do not seem to require a signature from such. How are others handling successors? Are you getting them to sign something?

In our documentation on this issue, we need a "proper notice" that either the original custodian no longer serves this position or a death certificate for the original custodian. This all must be presented before the successor takes over the account. We have had court orders making a change for this type of account as well.

That makes perfect sense, but it does not address my concern. Sometimes, we may have little more than a name on a successor, and I don't see how we could use that to authenticate anybody. Additionally, I'd also like assurance that a successor KNOWS that he/she has been designated in such capacity.

Reply to your answer...we have a in-house form that names the successor which the sucessor signs and the custodian signes acknowledges the successor. Now if a sucessor is named by the custodian without the bank knowing that fact, then we require a notarized letter from the custodian or in case of the custodian's death a legal form stating the successor's name. We actually do not place the successor's information on our records other than the in-house form as the custodian may make the successor change at anytime.