Detailed Answer

Short answer: If your mother died without a will in Alaska, you must follow Alaska’s intestate succession and probate rules to claim your share. Typically that means locating the appropriate Alaska Superior Court to open an estate (or use a small‑estate process if the estate qualifies), asking the court to appoint an administrator, providing notice to heirs and creditors, and then receiving a distribution according to Alaska law.

How Alaska law determines who inherits

Alaska uses intestate succession rules to decide who inherits property when someone dies without a will. The court looks at the decedent’s surviving relatives (spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.) and distributes the estate in set shares. For the exact statutory framework, see Alaska’s probate statutes (Title 13): Alaska Statutes, Title 13 (Probate, Estates, and Trusts).

Common scenarios (hypothetical examples)

These short hypotheticals show how inheritance often works in Alaska:

• If your mother left no spouse and had two surviving children (you and a sibling), you typically split the probate estate equally.
• If a surviving spouse exists, Alaska law often gives the spouse a portion or all of the estate depending on whether children or other relatives survive.
• If there are no close relatives, the estate may ultimately escheat (pass) to the State of Alaska.

Step‑by‑step: How to claim your share

1. Check for a will or other estate planning documents. Confirm there really is no valid will. Search the decedent’s papers, ask family members, and check with local attorneys and banks.
2. Check whether the estate qualifies as a small estate. Alaska provides simplified procedures for small estates or for certain types of property that pass outside probate (joint accounts, beneficiary designations, life insurance). If the estate qualifies, you may use an affidavit process instead of full probate. See local Superior Court probate information and forms: Alaska Court System — Probate.
3. Identify the proper court and file a petition for administration. If full probate is needed, file a petition for appointment of an administrator in the Alaska Superior Court in the district where your mother lived. The court will appoint an administrator (often a spouse or adult child) who receives Letters of Administration to act for the estate.
4. Provide notice to heirs and creditors. Alaska law requires notice to all heirs and often publication for unknown creditors. The administrator must follow the court’s notice rules so distributions are not later challenged.
5. Collect assets, pay debts and taxes, and inventory the estate. The administrator locates and secures assets, identifies valid creditor claims, pays debts and required taxes, and prepares an inventory for the court.
6. Request distribution under intestate succession. After debts and costs are paid and the court approves, the administrator distributes the remaining assets to heirs according to Alaska intestacy rules.
7. If you disagree with the administrator or distribution, take action promptly. If you believe the administrator is not acting properly or you were omitted, file objections or a petition with the probate court. Time limits apply for contests and claims, so act quickly.

Documents and evidence you will need

• Certified copy of the death certificate.
• Proof of your relationship to the decedent (birth certificate, family records, affidavits).
• Records showing the decedent’s assets: bank statements, titles, deeds, account agreements, insurance policies, and beneficiary designations.
• Any existing estate planning documents you find (wills, trust documents, powers of attorney).

Timing and costs

Probate timelines vary. A simple, uncontested intestate administration can take a few months. More complex estates with creditors, property sales, or disputes can take a year or longer. Expect court filing fees, possible bond requirements for an administrator, and professional fees (attorneys, appraisers, accountants) where needed.

Where to find forms and more information

Use the Alaska Court System’s probate resources and local Superior Court clerk’s office for filing procedures and forms: Alaska Court System — Probate. For the statutory rules that govern intestacy and probate, see Title 13 of the Alaska Statutes: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?title=13.

When to get an attorney

Consider hiring an attorney if:

• The estate has significant assets (real property, a business, retirement accounts).
• Heirs disagree about distributions or the identity of heirs.
• There are creditor claims, tax issues, or complex assets.
• You are asked to serve as administrator and want to understand duties, bond requirements, and liability.

Helpful Hints

• Start by getting several certified death certificates — agencies and banks often require originals.
• Create a simple family tree showing dates of birth and relationships to make establishing heirs easier for the court.
• Check beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance — those often pass outside probate to named beneficiaries.
• If the estate seems small, ask the court clerk whether a small‑estate affidavit or simplified procedure applies.
• Keep careful records and receipts for estate expenses — the administrator must account to the court and to heirs.
• Act quickly on notices from creditors and file any required responses; missing deadlines can affect the estate and your inheritance.
• If you cannot locate an administrator or the administrator refuses to act, consult the court about filing a petition to compel administration or to appoint a different administrator.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about Alaska probate and intestate succession. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney‑client relationship. Laws change and facts matter. For advice about a specific situation, contact a licensed Alaska attorney or the local probate court.