To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Click on the link(s) for the forms you'd like to download.To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. A Transfer on Death (TOD) is a legal document that can transfer your home without a will. Dying intestate means that a person has died without a will stating how his or her property (called an estate) is to be distributed. This booklet is meant to provide some basic information to you as you begin a guardianship with the Cuyahoga. County Probate Court. County Title Office Search I would bring the death certificate to the bank so they know that the family member in question has died. How Do You Order a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate?