File Probate in Alaska Yourself

Alaska Probate at a Glance

Alaska is one of the most executor-friendly probate states in the country. As a Uniform Probate Code (UPC) state, Alaska allows most estates to be probated through the probate registrar — an administrative process with no court hearing. The Personal Representative (Alaska's term for executor) then administers the estate independently without returning to court for routine decisions.

Do You Need Probate at All?

Before opening a probate case, determine whether the estate actually requires it. Many Alaska estates can be handled entirely without probate:

• Small Estate Affidavit (under $50,000): If the gross estate is under $50,000 and 30 days have passed since death, you can collect assets directly from institutions using a sworn affidavit — no court involvement required (AS 13.16.680).
• Named beneficiary accounts: Life insurance, IRAs, 401(k)s, and bank accounts with a payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designation pass directly to the named beneficiary — no probate needed.
• Joint tenancy property: Real estate and accounts held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship pass automatically to the surviving owner.
• Living trust assets: Property held in a revocable living trust passes to beneficiaries outside of probate.

If the estate includes solely-owned property without beneficiary designations and the total value exceeds $50,000, probate is likely required.

Informal vs. Formal Probate: Alaska's Two Paths

Informal Probate (Most Estates)

Informal probate is the standard path for most Alaska estates. There is no court hearing — you file an Application for Informal Probate with the probate registrar, who reviews it administratively and issues an Order Appointing Personal Representative. This order is the equivalent of Letters Testamentary in other states and grants you full legal authority to act on behalf of the estate.

Requirements for informal probate (AS 13.16.202):

• A valid will (or intestate estate)
• Application filed within 3 years of death
• No pending court proceeding regarding succession
• No conflicting informal probate of a different will

Formal Probate (Contested or Complex Estates)

Formal probate requires a court hearing before a judge. Use it when:

• The will is contested or its validity is disputed
• There are disputes about who should serve as Personal Representative
• The application is filed more than 3 years after death
• The estate requires ongoing court supervision for other reasons

The 14 Steps of Alaska Probate

1. 1
   Immediate Actions After DeathSecure the property, assess whether probate is needed, identify the type (informal vs. formal), and notify close family.
2. 2
   Secure Estate PropertyProtect real estate, vehicles, boats, aircraft, and other assets from loss or unauthorized access. Note: commercial fishing permits are a uniquely Alaskan estate asset — contact CFEC early.
3. 3
   Cancel Recurring ServicesStop subscriptions, satellite services, utilities, and auto-payments. Keep insurance active until property is transferred.
4. 4
   Notify Government AgenciesNotify Social Security, the Alaska Permanent Fund Division (check for pending PFD), Division of Retirement and Benefits, and the VA if applicable.
5. 5
   Obtain Death Certificates & the WillOrder 5–6 certified copies. Locate the original will. Anyone holding the will must file it with the court after death (AS 13.06.040).
6. 6
   Apply for an Estate EINGet the estate's tax ID from IRS.gov — needed to open the estate bank account. No Alaska state tax filings required.
7. 7
   Open an Estate Bank AccountAfter receiving the Order Appointing Personal Representative, open a dedicated estate account. All funds flow through here.
8. 8
   Appraise Real Estate & Personal PropertyGet date-of-death valuations. Allow extra time for remote Alaska properties. Inventory any aircraft, boats, ATVs, and fishing permits.
9. 9
   File the Probate ApplicationFile Application for Informal Probate with the Superior Court probate registrar. No hearing — receive Order Appointing Personal Representative administratively.
10. 10
    Notify Creditors & File InventoryPublish Notice to Creditors for 3 consecutive weeks. Mail to known creditors within 30 days. File Inventory within 90 days. Alaska's creditor period is 60 days — shorter than most states.
11. 11
    Manage & Distribute AssetsAfter the 60-day creditor period, pay debts and distribute assets per the will (or intestacy statutes). No court approval needed for informal probate distributions.
12. 12
    File TaxesFile the deceased's final Form 1040 and Form 1041 if the estate earned income. No Alaska state income or estate tax return required.
13. 13
    Close the EstateFile a Closing Statement (AS 13.16.753) — no court hearing required. The Personal Representative's appointment terminates automatically 1 year after filing.
14. 14
    Court Forms — Download & Fill-In GuideAll Alaska probate forms are available at courts.alaska.gov. The guide provides field-by-field instructions for each required form.

Alaska-Specific Estate Issues

Commercial Fishing Permits

Alaska limited entry commercial fishing permits are a unique and often substantial estate asset. These permits are regulated by the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) and must be transferred through a formal application process. Permit values vary widely by species, area, and gear type — from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands. Contact CFEC at cfec.alaska.gov early in the administration process.

The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend

If the deceased applied for an Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend before death and the payment has not been issued, the estate may be entitled to receive it. Contact the Permanent Fund Dividend Division at pfd.alaska.gov. Conversely, any PFD received after death for a period the deceased was not entitled to may need to be returned.

Remote Property

Many Alaska estates include remote property — cabins, hunting camps, rural parcels accessible only by air or boat. Finding qualified appraisers familiar with remote Alaska markets takes time. Start the appraisal process immediately after appointment. The 90-day Inventory deadline gives you some runway, but remote appraisals should not be left to the last moment.

Aircraft

Bush planes and small aircraft are common estate assets in Alaska. FAA records must be checked, and the FAA handles aircraft title transfers at death. If the aircraft is still airworthy, confirm insurance coverage and secure it appropriately during administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alaska Probate Articles

Free guides covering the most common Alaska probate questions:

• Alaska Small Estate Affidavit: How to Skip Probate for Estates Under $50,000
• Alaska Informal Probate: How to Open an Estate Without a Court Hearing
• Alaska Probate Timeline: Key Deadlines for Personal Representatives