Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.
Detailed Answer
Under Alaska probate law, a personal representative (often called an executor or administrator) must prepare and deliver periodic accountings to interested parties. An accounting details all receipts, disbursements, and the current status of estate assets.
Statutory Requirements
Alaska Statute AS 13.16.310 requires the personal representative to serve upon each beneficiary, legatee, devisee, and creditor who has filed a claim:
- An inventory of estate assets within three months of appointment.
- An accounting at least annually if the estate remains open more than one year.
Upon closing the estate, the personal representative must file and serve a final accounting under AS 13.16.370. This final accounting must also be served on the same group of interested persons.
Your Right to a Copy
If you are a beneficiary, devisee, legatee, or creditor who filed a claim, you have a statutory right to receive these accountings. The personal representative must serve the documents by mail or other means reasonably calculated to give you notice.
What If You Don’t Receive an Accounting?
- Send a written request to the personal representative, prompting delivery of the accounting.
- If there’s no response within a reasonable time (typically 30 days), file a motion with the probate court to compel the accounting.
- The court may sanction the personal representative or remove them for failure to comply with their fiduciary duties.
Helpful Hints
- Identify yourself clearly in any request and state your interest in the estate.
- Keep records of all communications with the personal representative.
- Review accountings carefully for accuracy—look for unexplained expenses.
- Ask for clarification if you don’t understand line items or transactions.
- Consider consulting an attorney if the representative fails to comply or if discrepancies arise.
- Be aware of deadlines: Alaska probate rules set time frames for objections and petitions.