How to Prove a Zero Balance and Close a Spouse’s Estate in Alaska

Quick overview: To formally close a spouse’s probate in Alaska when there is no remaining estate, you must show the court that all assets have been identified and distributed, debts and expenses have been paid (or that none exist), creditors have been given required notice, and you have filed a final accounting or closing affidavit and requested discharge of the personal representative. Below are step‑by‑step actions, documents to collect, and tips for a smooth closing.

Disclaimer

This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For legal advice about your situation, consult a licensed Alaska attorney.

Relevant Alaska law and resources

Alaska probate and estate law is in Title 13 of the Alaska Statutes. For statutes and code references, see Alaska Statutes, Title 13 (Probate, Estates and Protective Proceedings): https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.php#13.
For local probate forms, procedures, and court contact information, see the Alaska Court System probate/self‑help pages: https://www.courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate.htm.

Step‑by‑step: How to prove zero balance and close the estate

1. Identify whether probate is open and who is the personal representative

If you already opened probate and serve as personal representative (sometimes called executor or administrator), proceed to step 2. If probate was never opened because there were believed to be no assets, you may need to either open a short/simple probate or use Alaska’s small‑estate or transfer procedures if applicable. The court clerk can tell you whether a probate case exists under your spouse’s name.

2. Gather documentation to prove the estate’s assets and liabilities

To show the estate has a zero balance you must document that:

All bank and investment accounts belonging to the decedent have been closed or transferred — provide final statements showing $0 balance or proof of transfer/distribution.
All known debts have been paid, settled, or no valid creditor claims exist — provide paid invoices, canceled checks, electronic payment records, or payoff letters.
All tangible property has been distributed to beneficiaries — provide receipts, signed acknowledgements from beneficiaries, or a distribution log.
You have filed the inventory or account the court requires (if one was required) showing the ending balance is zero.

3. Provide creditor notice and allow the creditor‑claim period to run

Most probate closings require that creditors receive notice and a reasonable period to submit claims before you request discharge. Alaska’s probate statutes and local rules set the required notice and claim periods. Make sure you follow the statutory notice requirements (personal notice to known creditors and publication for unknown creditors) and keep proof of delivery or publication. If no claims arrive within the required period, the court will be more likely to approve closing the estate.

4. Prepare a final accounting or affidavit of zero balance

The court typically wants a final account or a closing statement that reconciles what the estate received and what it paid out. If the estate was very small and no formal accounting is required, an affidavit signed by the personal representative listing all assets and stating there is nothing left may suffice. Include attachments:

Final bank statements showing $0 or distributions;
Copies of paid bills, creditor releases, or other proofs of payment;
Receipts or written acknowledgements from beneficiaries who received property;
Proof of publication/personal notice to creditors (if applicable).

5. File a petition for final distribution and discharge (or a motion to close the estate)

File with the probate court a petition or motion asking the judge to accept the final accounting (or affidavit) and to discharge you as personal representative. Attach the documents described above. Cite the case number and any prior orders appointing you. In many cases the court will review your filings and issue an order closing the estate without a hearing; in others the court will schedule a short hearing.

6. Obtain the court’s closing order and deliver it where needed

Once the court signs an order discharging the personal representative and closing the estate, get certified copies of that order. Provide copies to banks, transfer agents, and any institutions that asked for proof the estate is closed. Keep certified copies in your permanent records.

Common documents to prepare and keep

Certified copy of the death certificate
Will (if any) and letters testamentary or letters of administration
Final bank/investment account statements
Paid bills, canceled checks, or proof of electronic payments to creditors
Receipts and signed acknowledgements from beneficiaries
Proof of notice to creditors: certified mail receipts and publication affidavit
Final accounting or affidavit of zero balance
Proposed order closing the estate and discharging the personal representative

Situations that commonly require extra steps

Unpaid creditor claims: If a legitimate claim arrives, do not ask for discharge until the claim is resolved or the court authorizes payment.
Taxes (estate, income, or final returns): Obtain clearance or proof that tax filings are complete and any liabilities are handled.
Real property: If the decedent owned real estate, ensure deeds are properly recorded and property taxes are current before closing.
Contested beneficiary claims: Disputes may require hearings or settlement before the court will close the estate.

Helpful hints

Start by contacting the probate clerk at the local Alaska court where the estate was opened — clerks can explain local filing requirements and provide court forms: Alaska Courts — Probate.
Get multiple certified copies of the death certificate early; many institutions will request one.
Keep meticulous records of every transaction. The court relies on written proof (bank records, canceled checks, receipts).
If you distributed property by agreement of beneficiaries, get signed receipts from each beneficiary stating they accepted the distribution and waive further claims.
Publish creditor notice exactly as statutes and local rules require and keep the publisher’s affidavit as proof.
Consider a short consultation with an Alaska probate attorney if the estate involves tax questions, real property, or creditor disputes — a lawyer can review your final account and proposed order before filing.

When to get an attorney

You may not need an attorney for a straightforward zero‑balance closing, but consult an attorney if any of the following apply:

Creditor claims are asserted or uncertain liabilities exist.
There is a will contest or disputes between beneficiaries.
Real property, business interests, or tax issues are involved.
You are unsure how to prepare the final accounting or the court forms.

Final checklist before filing

Confirm no unfiled creditor claims exist and required claim period has passed or notice requirements were met.
Assemble final bank statements and proofs of payment showing $0 balance or proof of distribution.
Prepare final account or affidavit clearly listing receipts and disbursements and showing the zero ending balance.
Attach supporting exhibits (statements, receipts, affidavits of distribution, proof of publication/notice).
File petition/motion for final distribution and discharge with the probate court and request an order closing the estate.

If you follow these steps and provide clear documentation, the Alaska probate court can enter an order closing your spouse’s estate and discharging you as personal representative. For questions about specific statutes or deadlines, review Alaska Statutes Title 13 (https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.php#13) and contact the probate clerk or a licensed Alaska attorney.