In New York State, the Surrogate's Court decides what happens to a person's property when that person dies. Bank accounts that are solely in your name can be held up temporarily upon your death.You should also make a list of what the Decedent owned at the time of death (such as bank accounts, house, stocks, etc.). You'll receive an email within 24 hours explaining what documents are needed to complete your claim. Typically, we require: A copy of the death certificate. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. You can use this letter template to write to the bank to request the closure of a direct payments account following the death of the account holder. To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts.