Most bank accounts can pass directly to beneficiaries, without the need for probate or the court's intervention. The documents needed are a death certificate, residential proof, bank passbook, etc.Make the process of opening an estate account simple and straightforward with this stepbystep guide. In the box that reads "Estate of," write the name of the decedent. Leave the box that reads case number, hearing date, Dept, blank. Your beneficiaries must follow a specific set of requirements. This guide has general information about what happens to someone's property, bills, and debts after they pass away. This area of law is called probate. Successor Trustees may request the trust account to be updated or closed and funds disbursed in the name of the trust. The County of Los Angeles Public Administrator has a staff of deputies to provide administration for decedent estates.