Detailed Answer

This article explains the typical steps to settle a decedent’s estate under Alaska law and how to handle real or other property located in a different state. This is an educational guide only and is not legal advice.

Step 1 — Confirm domicile, locate documents, and secure property

Confirm where your parent was domiciled (their permanent legal home). Under Alaska law, the probate court that handles a decedent’s estate is usually the Alaska Superior Court if the decedent was domiciled in Alaska. See Alaska court probate resources: courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate.htm.
Gather the original will (if any), death certificate(s), deeds, account statements, insurance policies, titles, retirement account statements, and records of debts.
Secure property to prevent loss — change locks if needed, notify banks, and make an inventory of homes, vehicles, and other major assets.

Step 2 — Determine whether full probate is required in Alaska

Alaska’s probate rules vary by the type and value of assets and by how assets are titled or have beneficiary designations. Assets held in joint tenancy, living trusts, payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts, and accounts with beneficiaries often pass outside probate.

When probate is needed, an interested person files a petition in the Superior Court in the judicial district where the decedent was domiciled. The Alaska court system provides forms and guidance: courts.alaska.gov/shc/forms/probate.htm. Alaska’s statutes governing probate and fiduciaries are in Title 13; see Title 13 (Probate, Trusts, and Fiduciaries): https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes/13.16.

Step 3 — Open the Alaska probate case and obtain authority

If there is a will, file it with the Superior Court and petition for appointment of the personal representative (executor). If there is no will, a close family member can petition to be appointed as administrator.
The court issues “letters” (letters testamentary or letters of administration) authorizing the personal representative to collect assets, pay debts, and distribute property. The court may require a bond unless the will waives it or the court excuses it.
Follow Alaska notice and creditor procedures required by statute and court rules (publish or mail notice as required). See Alaska probate procedures in Title 13: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes/13.16 and court forms: courts.alaska.gov/shc/forms/probate.htm.

Step 4 — Inventory, appraise, pay debts, and handle taxes

Prepare an inventory of estate assets and have required appraisals completed.
Notify and pay creditors in the order required by Alaska law. Preserve proof of payments and communications.
Alaska has no state estate or inheritance tax, but federal estate tax rules may apply if the federal exemption threshold is exceeded. Confirm filing obligations with a tax advisor.

Step 5 — Identify out-of-state assets and decide how to transfer them

Real property and certain tangible assets located outside Alaska generally must be transferred under the law of the state where the property sits. You will usually need one of these approaches:

Ancillary probate — If the decedent’s primary probate is in Alaska but they owned real estate in another state, you may open an ancillary probate proceeding in the other state. The out-of-state court typically requires a certified copy of the Alaska letters and the death certificate and may require a certified copy of the will. The foreign court then appoints a local representative or recognizes the Alaska personal representative for purposes of transferring the property.
Small-estate procedures — Many states have simplified transfer procedures for low-value estates or for certain types of personal property. If the out-of-state property meets that state’s small-estate threshold, you may use an affidavit or transfer form instead of full ancillary probate.
Nonprobate transfer methods — If the property in the other state is held in a living trust, joint tenancy, or has transferable-on-death instructions, it may pass outside probate. Check how the asset is titled and whether a beneficiary designation applies.
Sale or deed transfer — If the estate decides to sell or convey the out-of-state real property, you may be able to execute the sale using the foreign court’s recognition of your letters or by appointing a local agent through ancillary proceedings or a local power of attorney (if accepted by the county recorder).

Step 6 — Practical steps for starting ancillary administration in the other state

Contact the recorder/registrar or probate clerk in the county where the property sits to learn local filing requirements for transfer of title after death.
Obtain certified copies of your Alaska letters, the will (if required), and the death certificate from Alaska courts or the state Vital Records office.
Hire or consult a local attorney in the other state when procedures are unclear or when the property value or disputes make local counsel advisable.

Step 7 — Final distribution and closing the estate

After paying valid claims, filing final accounting if required, and obtaining court approval where needed, distribute remaining assets to heirs or beneficiaries according to the will or Alaska’s intestacy statutes. Then file a final report and petition for discharge of the personal representative to close the Alaska probate case.

Key Alaska statutory and court resources

Alaska Statutes, Title 13 (Probate, Trusts, and Fiduciaries): https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes/13.16
Alaska Court System — Probate information and forms: https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate.htm and https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/forms/probate.htm
Alaska Vital Records (death certificates): dhss.alaska.gov/dph/VitalStats

When to hire attorneys

Consider hiring an Alaska probate attorney if the estate is complex, includes significant debts, involves potential disputes among heirs, or raises tax issues. Also hire a licensed attorney in the state where the out-of-state property sits if you must open ancillary probate or meet complex local requirements. An attorney can prepare filings, represent you in court, and help avoid mistakes that delay transfer or cause liability.

Disclaimer

This is general information about Alaska probate and cross‑jurisdictional property transfers. It is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult an attorney licensed in Alaska and, if needed, an attorney licensed in the other state where property is located.

Helpful Hints

Obtain multiple certified death certificates early. Many agencies and companies will require an original or certified copy.
Start by checking how each asset is titled and whether it has a beneficiary designation — those often avoid probate.
Keep detailed records of all estate transactions, expenses, and communications with creditors and beneficiaries.
Contact the county recorder in the out-of-state property’s county to learn local deed transfer rules before you file anything.
Compare the cost and time for ancillary probate versus a local small‑estate affidavit in the other state — sometimes the affidavit is faster and cheaper.
Be mindful of deadlines for creditor claims and tax filings to avoid personal liability.
If heirs disagree, consider mediation before litigation. Mediation can save time and expense.