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Named as Executor
What an executor actually does: getting appointed, notifying creditors, paying debts and taxes, and where personal liability starts.
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Death of a Parent
A step-by-step guide to what happens after a parent dies: the documents to find, the certificates to order, and whether probate is even required.
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Loss of a Spouse
What a surviving spouse needs to do: death certificates, survivor benefits, whether probate is even required, and the tax election that expires.
Learn moreForms for Settling an Estate in Alaska
Free forms for settling an estate in Alaska: the probate petition, small estate affidavit, notice to creditors, inventory, and closing forms.
Petition for Probate and Letters
In Alaska, the petition asks the Superior Court for the State of Alaska to appoint the personal representative, whose authority is proved by Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableAS 13.16.085, AS 13.16.110Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
Renunciation of Executor
In Alaska, a person named as personal representative may renounce the right to serveAS 13.16.065(c)Verified Sep 22, 2026View source before anyone is appointed.
Small Estate Affidavit
In Alaska, the Affidavit for Collection of Personal PropertyAS 13.16.690Verified Sep 8, 2026View source covers estates with personal property of $150,000AS 13.16.690Verified Sep 8, 2026View source or less, 30 daysAS 13.16.690Verified Sep 8, 2026View source after death, presented directly to the bank or other holder, not filed with a court.
Estate Inventory
In Alaska, the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysAS 13.16.365, 13.16.370, 13.16.375Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment.
Estate Closing
In Alaska, the personal representative is discharged automatically once the statutory period runsAS 13.16.630(b), 13.16.640Verified Sep 15, 2026View source, and a final accounting is required unless it is waived.
Tools for Settling an Estate in Alaska
Free tools for settling an estate in Alaska: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Much Can an Executor Charge?
Alaska pays executors reasonable compensationAS 13.16.430 (personal representative entitled to reasonable compensation; no statutory percentage)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, typically 2.2%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source to 3.8%Estimated from the 16 state statutes that set an executor fee schedule (median and interquartile range at this estate value)Verified Sep 8, 2026View source of the estate.
Can I Self-File Probate?
In Alaska, informal probate is availableAS 13.16.085, AS 13.16.110Verified Sep 8, 2026View source, and a self-represented executor can usually handle it for a simple, uncontested estate.
How Do I Get Appointed as Executor?
In Alaska, the Superior Court for the State of Alaska appoints the personal representative and the Registrar issues Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration; an informal (registrar) track is availableAS 13.16.085, AS 13.16.110Verified Sep 8, 2026View source.
What Are the Creditor Claim Deadlines?
In Alaska, creditors have 4 monthsAS 13.16.460Verified Sep 8, 2026View source from first publication of the creditor notice to present claims; late claims are barred.
What Happens When an Estate Is Insolvent?
When an estate owes more than it holds, Alaska pays the claims in 6AS 13.16.470Verified Sep 23, 2026View source classes in statutory order, beginning with costs and expenses of administration.
How Do I Open an Estate Account When Someone Dies?
Compare estate-account opening requirements bank by bank: channels, required documents, and steps.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
Hire an Alaska Probate Attorney
Browse 56 probate firms in Alaska with addresses, contact info, and practice details.
Alaska Estate Settlement Resources
In-depth guides covering Alaska probate, estate administration, and settling an estate.
