An original death certificate. An estimate of the estate's value.In most cases, only the personal representative of a deceased person's estate can access the deceased accounts at a financial institution. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. DECEDENTS, ESTATES AND FIDUCIARIES. Chapter. 1. If the decedent died intestate (without a will), then a personal representative must be appointed and file a claim with BUP. In many cases, the Medicaid Estate Recovery payback can be avoided, legally. Here's a list of items to discuss with your elder law attorney.