Short answer: In Idaho, when someone dies without a will (intestate), you usually must open a probate estate in the district court of the county where your sibling lived to clear title and transfer real property into the legal heirs’ names. The process includes confirming ownership, determining whether probate can be avoided, filing a petition to open probate and to appoint a personal representative, giving notice to heirs and creditors, inventorying assets (including the house), paying valid debts and taxes, and finally distributing and recording the deed to the heir(s).

Detailed answer — step‑by‑step guide under Idaho law

The following steps explain what typically happens in Idaho when a decedent dies without a will and real property (a house) must be transferred. This overview assumes no trust, no beneficiary deed or survivorship title and no joint tenant with rights of survivorship. If any of those exist, the house might pass outside probate.

1. Secure the property and obtain certified death certificates. Arrange to secure the house (locks, insurance, utilities as needed). Order several certified copies of the death certificate from the state or county vital records office — courts, banks and title companies will require originals.
2. Determine whether the house passes outside probate. Check the deed. If the deed names a surviving joint tenant with right of survivorship or a transfer-on-death/beneficiary deed, or if the house is held in a trust, the property may pass without formal probate. Also check for life estates or mortgages. If title transfers outside probate, you may only need to record paperwork with the county recorder. If not, proceed with probate.
3. Identify the heirs under Idaho’s intestacy rules. Idaho law governs who inherits when there is no will. The rules are in Idaho’s probate statutes (Title 15, intestate succession); those rules determine whether siblings inherit and in what shares. See Idaho Code: Title 15, Chapter 2 (Intestate Succession): https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/
4. File a petition to open probate and to appoint a personal representative (PR). File the probate petition in the district court of the county where your sibling resided. In the petition you ask the court to open administration of the estate and appoint a personal representative (sometimes called an administrator when there is no will). The court will provide forms and specific filing requirements.
5. Court appointment, bond and letters of administration. The court will review the petition and appoint a personal representative. The court may require a bond (a type of insurance) from the PR unless waived by the heirs or by statute. Once appointed, the court issues letters of administration or letters testamentary, which give the PR authority to act for the estate (collect assets, pay debts, sell property if needed).
6. Give notice to heirs and creditors; publish notice if required. Idaho law requires personal notice to heirs and to known creditors, and in many cases a published notice to unknown creditors. This protects the estate from later claims and allows the estate to close after the creditor period expires. See Idaho probate administration statutes (Title 15, administration): https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/
7. Inventory, appraisal and management of estate assets. The PR must locate, take possession of and inventory estate assets — including the house. The court or statute may require appraisal. The PR must safeguard the property and maintain insurance, pay property taxes, and prevent waste.
8. Pay valid debts, taxes, and administrative expenses. The PR pays allowed creditor claims, funeral expenses, estate administration costs, and estate taxes (if any). If the estate lacks sufficient funds, the PR follows the statutory order of payment.
9. Distribute the house to the heir(s). After debts and expenses are resolved, the PR can distribute the real property according to Idaho’s intestacy rules. The court may require an order approving the distribution and a recorded deed transferring title to the heir(s). If selling the house is necessary to pay debts or to divide proceeds among multiple heirs, the PR may sell the property under court authority.
10. Close the estate (final accounting and discharge). The PR files a final accounting and petition for discharge. Once the court approves, the PR is relieved of duties and liability. The court will issue an order discharging the PR and closing the estate.

For statutory guidance on probate administration and the duties of a personal representative in Idaho, see Idaho Code, Title 15 (Estates and Protective Proceedings): https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/

Common practical issues and what to do about them

• Is probate always required for a house? No. If title automatically passes by joint tenancy, beneficiary deed, trust, or otherwise, probate may not be necessary. But if the house is solely in your sibling’s name, probate usually is required to clear title.
• What if multiple siblings are heirs? Multiple heirs complicate distribution. The personal representative must follow intestacy shares or obtain agreement for sale or division. If heirs dispute distribution, you may need court resolution or mediation.
• Can I act before I’m appointed? You can take emergency steps to secure and insure the property, but you should avoid selling or transferring the house until the court appoints you (or someone else) and issues letters authorizing such actions.
• Time and cost. Simple administrations can take several months; complicated estates can take a year or longer. Costs include court fees, possible publication costs, appraisal fees, bond premiums, and attorney fees if you hire one.

Helpful hints

• Get multiple certified death certificates early — you’ll need them for court, banks, and title companies.
• Check the deed and mortgage records at the county recorder before filing anything. That quickly shows whether the house might pass outside probate.
• Contact the county clerk of district court where the decedent lived for local probate forms and filing instructions.
• Record and preserve all receipts and communications: the PR must account for receipts and expenditures.
• If the estate is small or there are no creditors, ask the court about simplified or informal probate procedures that may speed things up and reduce costs.
• If multiple heirs disagree or if the estate has complicated debts, tax issues, or unresolved title problems, consider hiring an Idaho probate attorney to protect your and the heirs’ interests.
• Before selling, consult a title company — many title companies will not insure a transfer without a court order or probate deed.

Where to get official information and forms

Idaho statutes governing intestate succession and probate are in Title 15 of the Idaho Code: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/ For the intestacy rules specifically, see Chapter 2: https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title15/T15CH2/

For local filing procedures and the correct court location, contact the district court clerk in the county where your sibling lived.