You can use this letter template to write to the bank to request the closure of a direct payments account following the death of the account holder. Closing a bank account when someone passes away isn't difficult, as long as you have the right paperwork for the the teller or banker.Probate is a general term for the entire process of administration of estates of deceased persons, including those without wills, with court supervision. Informal probate is the process for asking the court to appoint a personal representative for a decedent's estate without a hearing. The documents needed are a death certificate, residential proof, bank passbook, etc. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. A bank closure letter may be needed if you want to close a bank account without having to go to your bank's physical location. We hope that you find this Handbook helpful, and that it provides some aid in protecting your rights behind bars. Additional information, such as bank account information and insurance information are used to process claims and requests for benefits. What do I do when a family member dies?