I generally recommend against naming your estate as a beneficiary for any assets. Certain bank and brokerage accounts will also pass outside your Will.To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Use these guided forms to cancel a transfer on death deed you have created. Get a copy of the death certificate. A bank closure letter may be needed if you want to close a bank account without having to go to your bank's physical location. A transfer on death deed (TODD) is a legal document that allows a person to transfer ownership of their property after they die. A Letter of Administration give immediate access to deceased personal bank acct without probate or small estate? You can use this letter template to write to the bank to request the closure of a direct payments account following the death of the account holder. Closing a bank account following the death of a direct payments customer.