It must be at least 40 days since the decedent died. All of the decedent's unsecured debts must have been paid.We'll need a photocopy of the death certificate to verify the identity and legal residence of your loved one as well as confirm date of death. 2. Attestation of General documents. 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. Fill out VitalChek's online form below. VitalChek is the only authorized online service for Santa Clara County death certificates. Most bank accounts can pass directly to beneficiaries, without the need for probate or the court's intervention. Notify Bank of America.