You may be able to use a Small Estate Affidavit to have the property transferred to you. The law says there are some things you must do:.Two common ways to avoid probate on your bank accounts are holding the account jointly or designating a beneficiary for the account. Most bank accounts can pass directly to beneficiaries, without the need for probate or the court's intervention. Begin the probate process. Once you have all your necessary documentation, you can choose to open an estate account as either a savings or checking account. We're here to help when a loved one passes away. Knowing where to begin when handling someone else's financial affairs can be overwhelming. The process of claiming a bank account after death varies based on a number of factors. Here's how to claim a deceased person's bank accounts.