If the deceased person was the sole owner of the bank account and named a beneficiary, then the bank can release the funds to the beneficiary without probate. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account.Probate is the legal process to distribute a person's property after they die. Here, learn about ways a deceased person's property may pass on to their heirs without the need for a formal court proceeding. A transfer on death deed (TODD) is a legal document that allows a person to transfer ownership of their property after they die. My sister and I have a question about a bank account that belonged to our father, who died about two months ago. Get the resources you need to help navigate someone else's financial affairs. I would bring the death certificate to the bank so they know that the family member in question has died. When should the government intervene in the economy, and to what extent? What factors influence policymaking around taxes, regulation, and trade?