Step-by-step guide to being appointed administrator of an intestate sibling’s estate in Idaho

Quick summary: If your sister died without a will in Idaho, the district court in the county where she lived will appoint a personal representative (often called an administrator) to wind up her estate under Idaho’s probate code. Idaho law sets a priority list of who may serve. You can petition the court to be appointed if you qualify under that list, complete required filings, give notice to heirs and creditors, and — unless the court waives it — post bond. Below are clear steps, relevant statutes, and practical tips.

Disclaimer

This article explains Idaho probate procedure for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Idaho attorney for advice about your particular situation.

Detailed answer — how to get appointed administrator (Idaho)

1. Confirm intestacy and the correct court

First confirm your sister died intestate (no valid will). In Idaho, probate and intestate succession are governed by Title 15 of the Idaho Code. See the probate title here: Idaho Code, Title 15 (Probate). The district court in the county where the decedent was domiciled at death has jurisdiction to open probate.

2. Check who has priority to be appointed

Idaho law gives priority to certain people when appointing a personal representative. Generally, a surviving spouse has highest priority, then children, parents, siblings, and more remote relatives. If no one with higher priority is available or willing, a sister may be entitled to serve. See the intestacy and appointment provisions in Title 15: Idaho Code, Title 15 (see chapters on intestate succession and appointment of personal representatives).

3. Gather required documents

Certified copy of the death certificate.
List of known heirs and their contact information (spouse, children, parents, siblings, etc.).
Basic asset information (bank accounts, property, vehicles, life insurance, retirement accounts).
Any available documents that show domicile at time of death (ID, lease, utility bills).

4. File a petition for appointment with the district court

You (or an attorney) must file a petition for appointment of a personal representative (petition for administration / letters of administration) in the appropriate Idaho district court. The petition typically asks the court to appoint you as administrator and to issue “letters” (official authority to act). The court clerk can tell you the local filing requirements and fees. Contact the district court clerk in the county where your sister lived.

5. Serve or give notice to heirs and interested parties

After filing, Idaho’s rules require notice to heirs and to creditors. The court will require notice of the petition to those entitled to know. Heirs may have a chance to object if they dispute your appointment.

6. Bond and waivers

The court often requires a bond (insurance that protects the estate against mismanagement). Heirs can sometimes waive bond by signing waivers. The court may also waive or reduce bond for good reason. Ask the clerk what bond amount is typical in your county and whether heirs’ waivers can avoid the expense.

7. Court hearing and issuance of letters

If no one objects (or if the court overrules objections), the judge will issue an order appointing the personal representative and letters of administration. Those letters allow you to act on behalf of the estate: collect assets, pay lawful debts and taxes, and distribute assets according to Idaho’s intestacy rules.

8. Duties of the administrator after appointment

Inventory and value estate assets and file an inventory with the court as required.
Notify and pay creditors per Idaho procedures.
File required tax returns.
Distribute assets to heirs according to Idaho intestacy rules (Title 15).
File a final accounting and petition for distribution to close the estate.

9. Timeframe and costs

Time varies with complexity. Simple estates may close in several months; estates with real property, disputes, or many creditors can take a year or more. Costs include court filing fees, bond premiums (if any), publishing/noticing costs, and attorney fees if you hire counsel.

10. What if someone disputes your appointment?

Interested persons can file objections. The court decides based on Idaho law and the priority statute. If a dispute involves who is the proper heir or domicile, the court resolves it. If you expect a contest, consider getting legal counsel early.

Practical example (hypothetical)

Hypothetical: Your sister, who lived in Ada County, died without a will. She had no spouse or children, and her parents are deceased. You are her closest living relative (her only sibling). You gather the death certificate, a list of other potential heirs (none in this example), and information about her bank account and one house. You file a petition in Ada County District Court asking to be appointed administrator, give notice to any known heirs, and request that the court waive bond because you are the sole heir and will sign waivers. The court issues letters of administration after the statutory notice period. You then collect the bank account, arrange to sell the house or transfer it per court direction, pay any creditors, and distribute assets to yourself as heir under Idaho intestacy rules.

Key Idaho statutes and resources

Idaho Code, Title 15 (Probate): https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/
Check local district court clerk for forms and filing procedures: Idaho Judicial Branch — Idaho Courts: https://isc.idaho.gov/

When to consult an attorney

Consider hiring an Idaho probate attorney if any of the following apply:

There is a dispute over who has priority to be appointed.
The estate has complex assets (business interests, multiple real properties, contested debts, significant tax exposure).
You anticipate objections from potential heirs or believe there may be creditors with substantial claims.
You prefer an attorney to prepare and file the petition, inventory, and final accounting to avoid procedural mistakes.

Helpful Hints

Contact the district court clerk in the county where your sister lived for exact forms, local filing fees, and hearing schedules.
Order multiple certified death certificates early — banks and agencies often require originals.
Make a short, clear list of assets and known creditors before filing.
If you are the only heir, ask other heirs (if any) to sign bond waivers to reduce costs.
Keep thorough records of every estate transaction — the court requires accounting and transparency.
If someone objects to your appointment, respond politely and promptly; deadlines for contesting can be short.
Use the Idaho Code Title 15 pages to read the statutory language and confirm deadlines applicable to your case: Idaho Code, Title 15.

Getting appointed as administrator in Idaho generally follows a straightforward court process, but small procedural mistakes can cause delays. When in doubt, consult a local probate attorney who can explain how Idaho law applies to your facts.