Informal probate is the process for asking the court to appoint a personal representative for a decedent's estate without a hearing. Without probate, there can be significant legal barriers to accessing the deceased's bank accounts, especially if they were the sole account holder.The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. To start, bring an original death certificate to the bank. Make an appointment ahead of time. What happens to American Express Savings accounts after an Account holder's death? The Bank requires certain documents depending on your specific circumstances. If the deceased left no valid will, or a will that did not deal with the property, it is dealt with under the law of intestacy. Millions of dollars in unclaimed property are turned over to the state every year.