To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Typically, for any of these accounts, all that is needed is a certified Death Certificate for the Decedent and proper identification of the su"Letters of Office" is not really a letter. Fill it out for the deceased, but don't forge the name. You can use this letter template to write to the bank to request the closure of a direct payments account following the death of the account holder. Follow these steps to close your bank account and make a seamless transition to a new one at a different financial institution. The BMO Alto Letter of Direction describes how an authorized representative would like BMO Alto to settle the decedent's account. The Court will not consider more than two (2) petitions to withdraw funds from the minor's estate in any one (1) calendar year under the above guidelines. The bank may require a certified death certificate in order to close the account and distribute the funds. Two Weeks After Death.