Detailed Answer

If you are involved with an estate in Alaska and want to know which debts or claims must be paid before assets are distributed, follow a clear process. Alaska law controls which claims are allowed, how creditors are notified, and the order in which claims are paid. See Alaska Statutes, Title 13 (Probate) for statutory text and procedures: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes/13.

1. Confirm whether the estate is in a formal probate or a small-estate procedure

The steps you take depend on whether the personal representative (executor/administrator) opened a formal administration in the Alaska Superior Court or used a simplified/small-estate process. In a formal probate, claims are filed with the court and the court file shows who has asked to be paid. In simplified procedures, fewer formal steps are required, but the representative still has duties to creditors.

2. Locate the probate case file and docket

Get the case number from the personal representative or search the Superior Court probate docket in the Alaska judicial district where the decedent lived. The court file usually contains:

• Letters of appointment for the personal representative;
• Inventory or schedule of assets;
• Claims filed by creditors; and
• Notices to creditors and proof of publication, if given.

The court file is the primary public record showing claims presented against the estate.

3. Check for a published or mailed notice to creditors

When a personal representative opens an estate, courts commonly require notice to known creditors and publication of a general notice to unknown creditors. The notice sets deadlines for presenting claims. Review the court file for proof that the notice was published and for any mailed notices. If the representative followed the required notice steps, many claims must be presented before a set deadline or they may be barred.

4. Review claims filed with the court and ask the personal representative for the claim log

Creditors generally must present written claims. The court file will list which claims were formally presented and whether the representative disputed them. Ask the personal representative for a copy of all claims, any claim objections, and any allowed-claim orders. Allowed claims are typically paid from estate assets before distribution to beneficiaries.

5. Identify secured debts and recorded liens

Not all debts are equal. Secured debts (mortgages, auto loans, recorded liens) remain attached to the specific property. The representative must address those liens (pay, refinance, or sell subject to the lien) or obtain releases before clear title can pass to heirs or buyers. Check county recording/land records or the probate inventory for mortgages and liens.

6. Determine priority of payments and administrative expenses

State law sets what gets paid first (for example, funeral and administration expenses, taxes, then creditor claims), and courts enforce that priority. The personal representative must pay valid claims and administrative costs before distributing remainder assets. See Alaska Statutes, Title 13 for the statutory priorities that apply to probate estates: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes/13.

7. Watch the claim-bar deadlines before final distribution

The representative should wait until the statutory creditor-claim period expires or until they obtain a court order resolving claims. If the estate distributes assets before claims are barred or resolved, the representative may be personally liable if valid claims later surface. Confirm the court docket shows either expiration of the claims period or court approval of distribution.

8. If you are a beneficiary, protect your interests

Ask the personal representative for written statements of the estate’s debts, a proposed distribution plan, and copies of any paid claims. You may also review the court file yourself or request accountings. If you suspect valid creditor claims were not handled properly, consult an Alaska lawyer or petition the court to require accountings or delay distribution.

9. Hire counsel when needed

If claims are disputed, complex (large business debts, tax liabilities, or claims from another state), or if the personal representative refuses to provide records, engage an Alaska probate attorney to protect estate or beneficiary interests and to ensure compliance with statutory notice and claims procedures (see Title 13: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes/13).

Helpful Hints

• Start with the probate court file: it lists claims, notices, inventories, and orders.
• Ask the personal representative for copies of the inventory, creditor claims, proof of notice, and proposed distribution.
• Check local public notices in newspapers (the probate court file should include proof of publication if required).
• Search county land records for mortgages or other recorded liens on real property.
• Document all communications. Ask creditors for written statements of amounts and the basis for their claims.
• Do not accept a proposed distribution until creditor deadlines have passed or the court has approved the distribution.
• Get releases or satisfaction documents from large creditors before final transfers of specific assets.
• If you are unsure which debts have legal priority or whether a claim is valid, consult an Alaska probate attorney. Mistakes can create personal liability for the personal representative or cause losses to beneficiaries.
• Use official Alaska resources for statute text: Alaska Statutes, Title 13 (Probate): https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes/13.