To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. You will need to become the estate's administrator or executor to gain access or information to the deceased person's bank account.When a person dies without a will and has money in the bank of not more than. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. Online: Use our online form to notify us about a customer's death. Tell the Bank: Give the bank the death certificate and the court papers that show you have permission to handle the account. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. Below are the common documents needed to close or change accounts. If your loved one dies with a will, you must file the will in the Probate Court in the county where the deceased was domiciled at the time of their death. This gives the administrator the authority to act on behalf of the estate and settle it in accordance with Georgia law.