How Do You Get a Letter of Testamentary Without a Will? If the decedent died intestate, you cannot obtain a Letter of Testamentary.To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. In general, you can't. The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. The Probate Department of the Court handles decedents' estates, trusts, and conservatorships. Most bank accounts can pass directly to beneficiaries, without the need for probate or the court's intervention. Beneficiary: A person who inherits when there is a Will and also inherits through intestate succession. California Probate Code. When requesting a Certified Birth or Death Certificate in person, please bring your completed application.