The Unclaimed Property division receives abandoned property from banks and other holding companies after they've been unable to reach the owners for 3 years. Deposits standing in the individual name of a deceased depositor of a bank or federally chartered bank shall be paid to the individual's legal representative.Try one of the local banks, print out the statute and bring it with you, and you may need to escalate to a manager. Upvote This indepth manual contains a wealth of information and a detailed description of the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code and how it is to be implemented. If you know the bank, you need to get a certified copy of the death certificate and present it to the bank along with proof of your identity. If an individual dies without a will, Massachusetts intestate laws will determine who inherits their probate property. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. You still control all the money in the account—your POD beneficiary has no rights to the money, and you can spend it all if you want. You might be able to fill out an affidavit and present that along with your mom's death certificate to the bank. You do have to ensure that you have completed a beneficiary form with your financial institution.