When a person dies intestate, that person's property is distributed according to the law. In New York, that law is found in EPTL 4-1.1.The purpose of drafting a last will and testament is primarily to control where your assets go after you die. But what happens if you die without a will? To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Learn everything there is to know when it comes to opening and withdrawing from an estate account in NYC. We go over when you can and cannot take out money. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. A letter of instruction is a cheat sheet for anyone involved in settling your affairs.