I think I heard Clark recently mention a Payable Upon Death declaration through one's bank to help keep things simpler when we die. Complete the information requested on the Mail-in Claim Form page.To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. Please note: For all account types, we require a death certificate. A deceased person's bank account is inaccessible unless you're a joint owner, a beneficiary of the account or the estate executor. You should approach the bank with the Pass-Book, cheque book and death certificate of the deceased. These affidavits allow a decedent's personal property to be transferred to his or her successors without a formal probate proceeding. Several forms are available for use in various probate legal actions, such as those relating to transferring a deceased person's property.