In most cases, only the personal representative of a deceased person's estate can access the deceased accounts at a financial institution. The "decedent," or person who died, must have: Been a Philadelphia resident at the time of their death.You can also set up a bank account with another individual or entity as "payable on death," or POD. Changing your bank account into a JointOwnership account with your daughter or making her the account's PayableOnDeath beneficiary avoids probate. You can open an estate account after getting necessary documents, like the decedent's death certificate and a taxpayer identification number for the estate. If inheritance tax is paid within three months of the decedent's death, a 5 percent discount is allowed. Estate property includes real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, personal property and even legal claims which surviving the death of the deceased. While the process for accessing a bank account after death usually isn't complicated, taking the time to understand bank account beneficiary rules can help. Account of personal representative of deceased incompetent (Repealed). Changing your bank account into a JointOwnership account with your daughter or making her the account's PayableOnDeath beneficiary avoids probate.