To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. You can request copies of bank statements, mortgage documents, and other financial information from the deceased person's bank or financial institution.This set provides coverage of every aspect of probate law and estate and trust administration in Texas. It includes sample forms and letters. If there is a "payable on death" form associated with an account, there is no need for the account to be part of the probate estate. A Letter of Administration give immediate access to deceased personal bank acct without probate or small estate? 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 after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. Probate is the legal process to distribute a person's property after they die. I've been guardian and conservator through Oklahoma courts for my older sister for the past 8 months.