This Court supervises the assets and liabilities of people who die while they are residents of California or who leave property inside this County. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court.For information relating to wills, trusts and estates please call (925) 608-2613. Logo Download the Form Packet. Resources and information to help you navigate your court case, including step-by-step guides for following procedures and help with understanding your options. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. When a death without a will occurs, intestate succession laws may dictate who, if anyone, has a right to the property of the deceased. The first step to get help with paying your fees and tuition is to submit an application for financial assistance. If we were beneficiaries of the account, can I close the account without probate paperwork? Any such changes will be announced in a published addendum.