Informal probate is an administrative probate process that can be faster if you meet all the requirements. No Court order prohibits the closing of this estate and there is no pending formal proceeding which would otherwise stay the informal closing of this estate.To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. If you die intestate, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will seek to first establish who the personal representative for your estate. If an individual dies without a will, Massachusetts intestate laws will determine who inherits their probate property. An Affidavit of Death is used to close accounts, receive benefits, or take ownership of property, real estate, or securities. If you die without a will in Massachusetts, your assets will go to your closest relatives under state "intestate succession" laws. The court appoints a personal representative, who may immediately distribute estate assets and file a closing statement with the court. (Mass. Gen. The deceased person must have been a Massachusetts resident at the time of death. If you are indeed designated as a beneficiary on the account, the bank will release the contents of the account to you.