Your files should include the name and address of each bank, credit union, or savings and loan association where you have an account. Also include each type of account, the account numbers and signers of the accounts, as well as numbers of CDs and the location of passbooks, statements and CDs.
Many banks block joint accounts when they receive notification of death of one of the joint owners.
If this is the case, each spouse may wish to set up a separate emergency account in his or her own name. Ask your bank to write you a letter stating its policy, so you know beforehand. Credit Cards and Charge Accounts List account numbers and names of issuers so that lost or stolen cards can be promptly reported missing. In the event of death, survivors can notify issuers of the cards and inform banks if accounts are to be closed or listed in a different name. Tax Records Be sure that family members know where to locate information for filing income tax returns and where you keep records from previous years.