I am looking for guidance on opening an estate account for a relative from MA who died several years ago. Bank of America accounts.Visit your local financial center or contact Estate Servicing Operations to speak with our dedicated team. The following information is provided to assist you in preparing an inventory and account of an estate or conservatorship. How do I add a beneficiary to my bank account? To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. There is no legal impediment to an executor having a credit card for estate expenses. Before the executor can distribute assets out to the family, the debts of the person who died have to be paid off. Your bank will provide you with all of the necessary forms to fill out and return. Obtain the deceased's original death certificate from the county coroner or county vital records office.