The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account.The best way to avoid any issues with accessing the bank accounts of deceased family members is to have a clear and up-to-date estate plan in place. If the Decedent died without a Will, then an administration proceeding should be filed. "Letters of Office" is not really a letter. You should also make a list of what the Decedent owned at the time of death (such as bank accounts, house, stocks, etc.). 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. Cook County requires receipts to be signed and filed before the estate can be closed. You can ask the bank if your father specified a "Pay on Death" beneficiary for the bank account.