It is a good idea to keep handy, but not in a safe deposit box, a number of documents when living overseas. In case of evacuation or other emergency they are immediately available. A suggested list follows:
- Signed and notarized Power of Attorney executed by each spouse on behalf of the other
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Joint Checking Account
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Current copy of will(s)
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List of family members’ social security numbers, bank account number(s), insurance policies, passport numbers with date of issue
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Medical records, prescriptions needed by family, immunization records, eyeglass prescriptions
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Up-to-date household inventory
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Children’s school records
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Past tax records and records necessary for filing
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Credit cards and a separate listing of credit card numbers (separate cards for each spouse is a good idea)
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Birth and marriage certificates
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Past employment records, resumes, letters of recommendation
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List of doctors, dentists, lawyers and other professional help
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Mortgage records, deeds, bonds, etc.
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Updated address books, business and personal
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Traveler’s checks, bank books, checkbooks, cash – both local and U.S.
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List of assets and debts