The inventory must list all. Probate is the legal process of settling your estate in court after you die.Probate is a county court process that occurs within three years after the date of death. Cut up the credit cards and return them to the issuing creditor. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Prepare a list of assets and the approximate value on the date of death. You will need to do this to determine if there are any tax filing requirements. Be warned: when my mom died, we got two letters that said she owed money on credit cards. In certain circumstances, the law requires DHS and local agencies to recover costs that the medical assistance program pays for its members. The surviving beneficiary will receive any money left in the account upon proof of the owner's death.