In general, you can't. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court.Forms Relating to a Probate Actions. There are a number of forms that can relate to a probate action. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Probate is a necessary court-supervised legal process used for the verification and administration of an individual's assets after death. The estate of decedent consists only of personal property exempt under the provisions of Section 732.402 of the. If the Decedent died without a Will, then an administration proceeding should be filed. This is not to be confused with an actual clerk in the courtroom. Decedent – A deceased individual.