How to handle your mother’s estate in Alaska: a step-by-step FAQ

Question

What steps should I take to handle my mother’s estate in Alaska?

Short answer

If your mother died in Alaska, start by locating her will and important documents, secure the property and assets, get multiple certified death certificates, determine whether probate is required, and then either use a simplified small-estate process (if eligible) or open a probate case in the Alaska Superior Court where she lived. Throughout the process you must identify and notify heirs and creditors, inventory assets, pay valid debts and taxes, and distribute the remaining property according to the will or Alaska intestacy law. This page explains typical steps, useful resources, and where Alaska law governs the process.

Disclaimer

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

Detailed answer — step-by-step checklist

1. Immediately find key documents and secure the estate

• Look for a will, codicil, trust documents, life insurance policies, retirement account statements, deeds, bank and investment account records, and the decedent’s list of passwords or a safe-deposit box key.
• Obtain multiple certified copies of the death certificate from Alaska Vital Records: dhss.alaska.gov. Many banks and institutions require an original-certified copy.
• Secure real property, vehicles, and valuables. If keys or access are missing, consider changing locks or boarding property to prevent theft or damage.

2. Decide whether probate is required

Not every estate must go through full probate. Alaska law includes probate procedures and simplified paths for smaller estates. Whether you need to open a probate case depends on what assets exist and how they are titled (for example, jointly held property or beneficiary-designated accounts often pass outside probate).

See Alaska probate statutes (Title 13) for the governing rules: Alaska Statutes, Title 13. For practical court information and forms: Alaska Court System — Probate.

3. If probate is needed: start a probate case in Superior Court

• File a petition in the Alaska Superior Court in the judicial district where your mother lived. The petition asks the court to appoint a personal representative (executor if named in a will; administrator if there is no will).
• The court will issue letters testamentary or letters of administration. These documents give the representative legal authority to collect assets, access accounts, and act for the estate.
• The representative must publish or serve notice to creditors and follow notice requirements under Alaska law so creditors can present claims against the estate.

4. Inventory assets, pay expenses and valid claims

• Create an inventory of estate assets (bank accounts, investments, real property, personal property, life insurance payable to the estate, etc.).
• Use estate funds to pay funeral costs, reasonable administration expenses, and valid debts and taxes. Keep careful records and receipts.
• Alaska has specific rules and timelines for creditor claims and payment priorities. Consult Title 13 for the controlling rules: Alaska Statutes, Title 13.

5. Consider taxes and governmental notifications

• Notify Social Security, pension administrators, and other benefit providers. The Social Security Administration maintains instructions for reporting a death: ssa.gov.
• File any required final income tax returns and, if applicable, an estate tax return. Alaska does not have a state estate tax, but federal estate and gift tax rules may apply—check IRS guidance: irs.gov — estate tax.

6. Distribute assets and close the estate

• If there is a valid will, distribute assets according to its terms after debts and taxes are paid. If no will exists, Alaska’s intestacy statutes (Title 13) determine how property is distributed to heirs.
• Prepare and file any required accountings with the court and request the court’s approval to close the estate and discharge the personal representative.

Common issues you may face

• Disputes among heirs about will interpretation or distribution.
• Missing or ambiguous estate planning documents.
• Outstanding debts or tax liabilities that reduce inheritances.
• Assets with beneficiaries or joint owners that pass outside probate.

Helpful resources

• Alaska Statutes, Title 13 — probate, wills, administration: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#13
• Alaska Court System — probate information and local court contacts: https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate/
• Alaska Vital Records — certified death certificates: https://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/VitalStats/Pages/default.aspx
• IRS — federal estate tax information: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estate-tax

Helpful hints

• Get several certified death certificates early; many institutions require originals.
• Do not rush to liquidate assets until you know who the legal representative is and how assets are titled.
• Keep a detailed file with inventories, receipts, notices, and court filings—good records simplify accountings and disputes.
• Talk to an Alaska probate attorney if the estate is large, complex, or if family members dispute distributions. An attorney can explain local practice and deadlines under Title 13.
• Ask the court clerk or visit the Alaska Court System probate pages for local forms and procedural guidance: Alaska Court System — Probate.
• If there is a small estate, ask whether Alaska’s simplified procedures apply before filing full probate; this can save time and cost.

Where to get help

If you need assistance with filing probate forms, interpreting a will, or resolving disputes, contact a licensed Alaska attorney who handles probate and estate administration. The Alaska Court System website and local bar association can help locate attorneys and self-help resources.