Payableondeath bank accounts allow a bank to release funds to a named beneficiary on the account holder's death without the beneficiary having to go to court. Learn More About Section 153.003 Of The Texas Estates Code And Obtaining Bank Account Information Of A Deceased Family Member In Texas.If the deceased person was the sole owner of the bank account and named a beneficiary, then the bank can release the funds to the beneficiary without probate. They should be able to simply present the bank with proof of the death (e.g. Notify Bank of America. We'll ask you for the deceased customer's full legal name and Social Security number to identify their accounts. To close a bank account on behalf of someone who has passed away, you must have legal authority to manage the account. Trust. Accounts with arrangements to hold the assets in a trust. Death Certificate; Certification of Trustee naming a successor trustee. This case shows that the mere existence of a joint account does not mean that the surviving joint owner is entitled to the funds on death.