To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Fill it out for the deceased, but don't forge the name.The bank will not allow you to close it unless you have a letter of authorization from the probate court. This page tells you about: What is probate? Is probate necessary? To close a bank account after death, you must completely liquidate its funds. The process of claiming a bank account after death varies based on a number of factors. Here's how to claim a deceased person's bank accounts. How do I close out a guardianship account when my ward has died without a will and the bank did not set up a beneficiary. The first and foremost thing you must do to close a bank account upon the death of a loved one is to inform the bank of this death.