To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court.Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. I enclose a copy of their death certificate. They didn't leave behind any assets and there is no money to pay what they owe. A small state affidavit is a really valuable tool that can help you avoid probate without the need of setting up a trust. The completed form DE150 should then be submitted to the probate court in the county in which the deceased resided in at the time of death. Thanks for your question and good afternoon. Unfortunately you will have to make application for probate here in California.