In New York State, the Surrogate's Court decides what happens to a person's property when that person dies. 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. If submitting online, you must provide your Social Security number for verification. You should also make a list of what the Decedent owned at the time of death (such as bank accounts, house, stocks, etc.). To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Get a certified copy of the death certificate with a Letter of Exemplification. I would bring the death certificate to the bank so they know that the family member in question has died. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts.