This comprehensive guide aims to help you unravel the complexities of using a Small Estate Affidavit in Illinois. Probate is an area of law most people experience.The probate process is complex and this article offers an educational foundation for executors and heirs. Death records are not public records and are only available to those who have a personal or property right interest with the decedent. Use our Affidavit of Domicile form to verify the last home address of a deceased person to speed up the inheritance process. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Let's take a step-by-step journey through Illinois' probate process, breaking down its stages and shedding light on the roles of the key players involved. (2) For the 403(b), you should contact the account custodian and ask if it's too late to make the claim. My dad passed away two months ago. Got the death certificate in hand and went to the bank to close his account.