How do I open an estate account? Just make an appointment at your local financial center and an associate will be happy to assist you.Bank accounts held solely in the deceased's name typically go through probate. Fill out the attached forms. When completing the claim forms, please type or print legibly in blue or black ink. Please note: For all account types, we require a death certificate. You cannot open an estate account without Letters of Administration but based on the amount involved, Letters are not necessary. The advantages of having a will are: You decide who gets your home, bank accounts, retirement accounts, business, and personal assets. – If we are paying out to a named beneficiary, we require a photocopy of the death certificate and a bank Beneficiary Distribution Election Form. If you are claiming funds, please complete the following: STEP 1: Fill out the attached forms (Claim Affirmation Form and Claim For Money Held).