Do you know how to find out if you are a beneficiary on a bank account? Get the resources you need to help navigate someone else's financial affairs.Probate is the process of transferring property and ownership after someone has died. When someone dies once the bank gets copy's of the death certificate, it the accounts goes hold. They may hold the money for upto 90 days. 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. As an estate administrator, executor, or personal representative of a deceased person, you may need to request information from the IRS. If no will, to the surviving spouse. 5. The best way to avoid any issues with accessing the bank accounts of deceased family members is to have a clear and up-to-date estate plan in place.