Detailed answer — step‑by‑step under Utah law

This answer assumes a typical probate estate administered in Utah. The rules differ if the estate is a small estate, if the account is jointly held with right of survivorship, or if the account is payable‑on‑death. Check the probate rules and forms on the Utah Courts site and the Utah probate statutes in Title 75 for specifics: Utah Code, Title 75 (Probate) and Utah Courts — Probate How‑To & Forms.

1. Confirm who has authority to act

   If the decedent left a will naming an executor, the court issues “letters testamentary.” If no will exists, the court appoints an administrator and issues “letters of administration.” Banks generally require certified copies of those letters (or a court order) plus a death certificate before permitting transactions on an estate account.

2. Identify the bank’s required documentation

   Call the bank’s estate or trust department. Most banks will ask for some combination of the following:

   • Certified copy of the death certificate
   • Certified copy of the letters testamentary or letters of administration (or an order appointing the personal representative)
   • Valid photo ID for the personal representative
   • A copy of the will (sometimes requested)
   • A signed bank account closing/distribution form

   If the account is jointly owned or payable‑on‑death (POD), the bank may release funds directly to the surviving owner or the named beneficiary without probate.

3. Settle debts and taxes before distribution

   The personal representative must identify and pay valid creditor claims and any estate taxes or final income taxes before distributing assets. Utah’s probate statutes govern notice to creditors and claims procedures—check Title 75 for creditor notice and claim provisions. Keep documentation of every payment; these will appear in the final accounting.

4. Prepare the final accounting (closing statement)

   The closing statement is a chronological, itemized accounting showing:

   • Beginning balance and list of estate assets collected (including bank accounts, investments, real property proceeds)
   • Receipts into the estate (social security, rents, account interest, sale proceeds)
   • Payments and disbursements (debts paid, funeral expenses, taxes, administration expenses, attorney fees, personal representative compensation)
   • Net distributable amount and how it was distributed to beneficiaries (names and amounts)
   • Copies or references to supporting documents (bank statements, canceled checks, invoices, receipts)

   If the estate is under court supervision or a beneficiary contests the administration, you typically must file a formal final account with the court and ask for a formal discharge. If the estate is unsupervised (informal administration), Utah practice may allow the personal representative to distribute after settling claims and then provide the accounting to heirs; however, filing a petition for settlement and discharge gives the PR protection from later claims. See the Utah Courts probate forms for the appropriate form of account or petition.

5. Close the bank account

   After you have authority and have settled required payments, present the bank with:

   • Certified letters testamentary/administration or a court closing order
   • Certified death certificate
   • The signed final closing statement or an agreement showing distribution instructions
   • Identification for the personal representative

   The bank will either issue checks to beneficiaries, transfer funds to accounts as directed, or pay the estate’s attorney or personal representative so they can distribute funds. Obtain a bank statement or transaction printout that shows the account balance went to zero and the distribution transactions; that bank printout becomes part of the estate’s closing records.

6. File for discharge if you want court protection

   If you want the court to formally close the estate and release the personal representative from further liability, file the required petition for settlement and discharge or a final account with the probate court and request an order of discharge. That order is the strongest protection against later claims.

For statutory references and court forms, start here: Utah Code, Title 75 and Utah Courts Probate How‑To & Forms.

Common documents the bank or court will want

• Certified death certificate (multiple copies)
• Certified letters testamentary or letters of administration (court‑issued)
• Copy of the will (if one exists)
• Personal representative’s photo ID
• Final closing statement / accounting with supporting receipts and bank statements
• If applicable: beneficiary forms for POD or survivorship account

Helpful Hints

• Start by calling the bank’s estate/trust department to get their checklist — banks vary in what they require.
• Obtain several certified copies of the death certificate early; many institutions request them.
• Keep a running ledger of every deposit and disbursement; include check numbers and dates. This ledger becomes your closing statement.
• If the estate is small or only includes a bank account, explore Utah’s small‑estate procedures — they can avoid full probate. See Utah Courts for small‑estate guidance.
• If beneficiaries agree on distributions and there are no known creditor disputes, an unsupervised closing with a written accounting may be adequate. If you want protection from later claims, file for court settlement and discharge.
• Retain originals of receipts and bank statements for several years after closing; a court or an heir may request them later.
• If you expect estate income tax or estate tax issues, consult a tax professional or attorney before final distribution.
• When in doubt, hire a probate attorney. A short consult can prevent mistakes that lead to personal liability for the personal representative.