NEW YORK (Money magazine) -- Question: My husband recently died, and we had a joint bank account. Do I have to close it or just have his name removed? -- E.L., Normangee, Texas
Answer: You don't have to do anything -- you became the default account holder when your husband died, unless his will indicated otherwise -- but it's a good idea to let the bank know.
For one, having his name on the account could put you at risk of identity theft.
To remove his name (or to close the account entirely), you'll have to provide a death certificate.
Another caution: FDIC deposit insurance is $250,000 per account per person, so your husband's death cuts your coverage max in half. If you have more than $250,000 on deposit, you could open a retirement account or trust to qualify for more coverage, or you could move the excess to another bank. 
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