You'll receive an email within 24 hours explaining what documents are needed to complete your claim. Typically, we require: A copy of the death certificate.You'll just need the death certificate and your ID. The bank should close the account and make checks payable to the beneficiary. Have you named a beneficiary on your bank accounts? A New York estate planning attorney explains the pros and cons of payable on death designations. If you know the bank, you need to get a certified copy of the death certificate and present it to the bank along with proof of your identity. The audit identified the need for BCPA to improve its processes for identifying and safeguarding decedent's assets and maintaining accurate estate records. Probate is the process of proving that the Will is valid (legally acceptable). During probate, the Will must be proved to the satisfaction of the Court. Please note: For all account types, we require a death certificate.