I'm not sure that this is necessarily true these days. In dealing with my father's estate, which is just starting the probate process, I've only given away one hard copy so far. When I applied for his VA life insurance (my sister and I were contingent beneficiaries) everything was done by electronic upload. The same was true when I had to remove Mom from their accounts two years ago. The bank took a copy, scanned/faxed it to their legal department, and gave it back to me. FWIW - I requested 6 copies and expect that to be more than enough.And believe me, you want to ask for more of them than you think you'll need. Small cost, but well worth it.
I don't think it matters if the deceased was single or married, the only thing that matters is whether the account was individual or joint.Regarding the discussion about directly accessing the deceased's accounts, what was posted earlier about them being locked is true. You will not be able to continue to pay bills etc., because as soon as the bank learns that the account owner has died, they will lock the account. This applies to singles. Spousal situations can be different.
I'm not sure that this is necessarily true these days. In dealing with my father's estate, which is just starting the probate process, I've only given away one hard copy so far. When I applied for his VA life insurance (my sister and I were contingent beneficiaries) everything was done by electronic upload.
I should add that your point about the cost is still true. I was advised by the funeral director to request as many copies of the death certificate as I thought I might need as it was cheaper to do it all at once.Good to know. My experience was different, but it makes sense that fewer pieces of paper would be needed today.
Do any of you with the "death binder" method worry about its physical security?
Do any of you with the "death binder" method worry about its physical security?
I've often heard people say that they have given their username and passwords to their accounts to their loved ones in case the pass away, but I wonder how useful that is?
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I suppose your heirs could use the account credentials to log in and see the account information without taking any action before they notify the account holders....
On my death bed, I’ll be whispering to my heirs, “Please clear the browser and remember me as the person you thought I was.”
Do these include someone to clear your browser history?
One of the best things you could do for your heirs, is have a binder with will or trust, durable POA's, Advance directives, Hippa forms, AND copies of statements of all your IRA, bank, brokerage accounts. In my RLT binder, once a year I put the latest statements from Vanguard brokerage, Schwab IRAs, and bank checking account statements. Saves a lot of changing phone numbers, addresses, and so on. And gives a quick accurate snapshot of fairly recent balances involved. Your heirs will love you for it.