A letter of instruction isn't legally binding, like your will. Banks need to be notified of death; they won't work it out alone.Accessing a safe deposit box in Florida postdeath requires adherence to state probate laws. A letter of instruction is a document that lists all relevant financial information that your family members or executor need if something happens to you. Prepare a list of people to notify of your death. Include their name, address, telephone number, and email address (This should be kept up to-date). 1. Make Notice of the Death. The first step to getting a death certificate is to make an official declaration of the death. This article chronicles the evolution of enforcing after-death gifts for the benefit of pet animals. Part II reviews the common law background.