Ohio estate planning attorney Anna M. Price explains how to navigate the probate process without a will in Ohio and how to make sure your wishes are known. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account.The first order of business in a letter of instruction is to outline the details that will help family, friends, and surviving spouses through the trying hours. Thereafter, the writing must be presented to the Probate Court within 3 months after death. Click on the link(s) for the forms you'd like to download. Thereafter, an account must be filed at least annually. A final account must be filed within 30 days after completing the administration of the estate. You will need a tax release, death certificate, and Letters of Authority from probate court to have access to the account. Probating an estate when someone dies without a will follows a particular process. With these documents, an Executor can pay off debts and taxes the estate may owe, and access and close out accounts the decedent owned.