You should also make a list of what the Decedent owned at the time of death (such as bank accounts, house, stocks, etc.). You will need account numbers and serial numbers of assets.Death Certificates can be ordered online. Overview: Vital Records has death records (since 1881) for all of New York State except New York City. I am listed as power of attorney on my mom's bank account. Will I be able to access this money after she dies to pay for the funeral? Opening an estate bank account; Accessing accounts of the deceased; Paying debts of the deceased; Collecting claims of the deceased; Sell real property. For information concerning wills, estates, guardianships and adoptions, contact Suffolk County Surrogate Court at (631) 852-1745. This proceeding is used whether or not the Decedent executed a Last Will and Testament during his or her lifetime. However, if a beneficiary of a bank account is named, the account passes to the named beneficiary upon death.