You have to do a probate to get letters testamentary. Not all estates require a probate, however.To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. 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. This set provides coverage of every aspect of probate law and estate and trust administration in Texas. It includes sample forms and letters. The Harris County Clerk's office is happy to help you file documents or locate records, but we cannot answer legal questions. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. Fill it out for the deceased, but don't forge the name.