While some individually owned bank accounts can be subject to probate, most other accounts can be transferred to heirs with ease. Our CA attorneys explain.Two common ways to avoid probate on your bank accounts are holding the account jointly or designating a beneficiary for the account. The Probate Court may oversee the division of property of someone who has died. This property is called a decedent's estate. In California, an account holder should complete a Totten trust document. A Totten Trust is a payable-on-death account with a named beneficiary. We'll need a photocopy of the death certificate to verify the identity and legal residence of your loved one as well as confirm date of death. At the top of this box you will provide the county where it is being filed. You'll also need the decedent's legal name and Social Security number.