The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. A transfer on death deed (TODD) is a legal document that allows a person to transfer ownership of their property after they die.Probate may be needed in cases where the deceased person left a will, and some cases where they died without a will. A letter of last instruction as an essential part of their estate plans. It's not a replacement for a will, and in fact it's not even a legal document. Small estate affidavits are a fast and affordable way to transfer property after someone has died, when the decedent died without a will. A letter of instruction is a cheat sheet for anyone involved in settling your affairs. Unlike a will, this letter has no legal authority. If the Decedent died without a Will, then an administration proceeding should be filed.