Get the resources you need to help navigate someone else's financial affairs. Do you know how to find out if you are a beneficiary on a bank account?She died without a will? I had her power of attorney before her death and I thought the account was empty. Cancel benefits payments and close or transfer accounts. Government agencies and programs to notify of a death. This legal process is known as probate, and it occurs regardless of whether the deceased (also known as the decedent) had a valid will or not. After someone dies, notify the government programs and businesses they used. Cancel benefits payments and close or transfer accounts. I am the sole beneficiary.