Gather documents you need​​ You will need: A certified copy of the death certificate. When you open a bank account for the estate, the account name must indicate that it is a conservatorship account and not your personal account.Discover the precise steps to secure Letters of Testamentary in California. Our comprehensive guide makes the process straightforward and hassle-free. When you open a bank account for the estate, the account name must indicate that it is a guardianship account and not your personal account. You cannot open an estate account without Letters of Administration but based on the amount involved, Letters are not necessary. These letters allow the executor to access bank accounts, sell property, and manage estate assets. How can a beneficiary request an accounting of an estate? What should an estate accounting entail? Discover the San Bernardino Probate Court: Your ultimate guide for probate proceedings in San Bernardino County.