Short answer

Yes. In Alaska, people who have a legal interest in a probate estate (commonly called “interested persons”—for example, heirs and beneficiaries) can ask the court to require the personal representative (executor or administrator) to provide a formal accounting of estate assets, transactions, receipts, disbursements, and distributions. The court can order production of records, hold a hearing, and resolve disputes about the accounting.

How an accounting works in Alaska probate

An accounting is a detailed financial report prepared by the personal representative that shows how the estate was handled from appointment through a specified date. Typical contents include:

• An inventory of estate assets when the representative took control;
• All receipts (sales, rents, dividends, benefits, and other income);
• All payments and expenses (funeral costs, taxes, debts, creditors’ claims, attorney or trustee fees, and maintenance);
• All sales, transfers, or distributions to heirs or beneficiaries; and
• Any proposed final distribution plan.

The court will examine whether the representative performed duties properly, whether fees were reasonable, and whether distributions complied with the will or Alaska law. If the accounting shows problems (missing assets, improper payments, or unexplained transactions), interested persons can object and ask the court to surcharge (hold the representative financially responsible), remove the representative, or order other remedies.

Who can demand an accounting?

Generally, “interested persons” may demand an accounting. That term usually includes named beneficiaries, heirs-at-law, creditors with allowed claims, and anyone whose interests the estate administration could affect. If you are unsure whether you qualify as an interested person, an Alaska probate attorney can help determine your status.

When and how to request an accounting

Common ways an accounting is requested in Alaska:

• Request an informal accounting directly from the personal representative—this sometimes resolves concerns without court action.
• File a formal petition with the probate court asking the judge to order the representative to file a formal accounting. The court will set deadlines and a hearing if needed.
• Object to a proposed final distribution on the grounds that the accounting is incomplete or inaccurate; that objection can trigger a required accounting and hearing.

If the representative refuses to produce records, the court has the authority to compel production and can issue subpoenas, sanctions, or other enforcement orders.

Small estates, summary procedures, and exceptions

Not every probate matter uses a full formal accounting. Alaska law includes simplified procedures for small estates or certain summary administrations. In those procedures, the documentation and reporting requirements are lighter, and you may not get a line-by-line accounting unless you specifically ask the court to require one. If the estate uses a simplified process, an interested person can still ask the court for additional accounting or information if they can show a legitimate need.

What to expect at a hearing

At an accounting hearing, the judge will review the submitted accounting and any objections. The personal representative and objecting parties can present evidence (bank statements, receipts, invoices, tax returns, and witness testimony). The judge can:

• approve the accounting and discharge the representative for the accounted period;
• order the representative to correct or supplement the accounting;
• order repayment or surcharge for improper conduct or losses; or
• remove the representative in serious cases of misconduct or incapacity.

Relevant Alaska resources and statutes

Alaska’s probate and estate administration laws are in Title 13 of the Alaska Statutes. For an overview and the specific statutory provisions that apply to administration and accountings, see the Alaska Legislature’s statutes page for Title 13: https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.php. For practical probate forms and court procedures, consult the Alaska Court System’s probate information: https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/probate.htm.

Note: statute sections and procedural rules set timing, service, and form requirements for petitions and accountings. If you plan to file, check the exact statute language and local court rules or speak with an attorney to confirm the steps and deadlines.

Practical steps to take now

1. Ask the personal representative for a copy of the inventory and any informal accounting or transaction records.
2. Review the will (if any) and any prior estate notices you received from the court to understand deadlines for objecting.
3. Keep copies of your communications and requests in writing (email or certified mail).
4. If you do not receive adequate information, consult an Alaska probate attorney about filing a petition to compel a formal accounting.

Helpful hints

• Be an “interested person”: confirm you have standing before asking the court for an accounting.
• Start informally: request documents first—many disputes resolve before court intervention.
• Preserve deadlines: probate deadlines can be short. Missing a statutory objection period can limit remedies.
• Collect evidence: bank statements, canceled checks, receipts, tax returns, and communications help prove concerns in an objection or hearing.
• Understand fees: the estate may pay court-approved attorney and representative fees, but the court reviews reasonableness during an accounting.
• Consider mediation: the court or parties may agree to mediation before or during contested accounting matters.
• Ask for a detailed accounting: a general summary is not the same as a line-by-line accounting—be specific about what you need.
• Get legal advice: an attorney can draft a proper petition, advise on standing, and help enforce subpoenas or discovery if needed.