Detailed answer: step-by-step process under Alaska law

When someone dies, any accounts that were re-titled in the estate or left solely in the decedent’s name often must be handled through the personal representative (also called an executor or administrator) and, in some cases, through the probate court. Alaska’s probate and decedents’ estate process is governed by Title 13 of the Alaska Statutes (Decedents’ Estates). For the text of the probate laws, see: Alaska Statutes, Title 13 (Decedents’ Estates).

1) Determine the account type and whether probate is required

• Payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death accounts and joint accounts with rights of survivorship typically pass outside probate directly to the named beneficiary or surviving owner. In those cases the bank usually will transfer funds to the named beneficiary after seeing an ID and a death certificate or verification of the beneficiary’s identity.
• Accounts held only in the decedent’s name usually require probate authority (letters testamentary or letters of administration) so the bank can recognize the personal representative and allow the account to be closed or transferred to the estate.
• If the estate qualifies for a simplified or small-estate procedure, different rules can apply. Check Alaska court resources or consult counsel for small-estate options.

2) Obtain proof of authority the bank will accept

If the account must be handled through the estate, banks commonly require:

• Certified copy of Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration issued by the Alaska Superior Court showing appointment and authority of the personal representative (obtained from the court where probate was opened).
• Certified or official copy of the decedent’s death certificate.
• Personal representative’s government ID and bank signature card, as requested by the bank.
• If the will specifically directs distribution or there is a court order for distribution, provide a certified copy of that order.

3) Pay estate debts and expenses before final distribution

Under Alaska probate rules, the personal representative must gather estate assets, notify creditors, pay valid debts and administrative expenses, and preserve proper records before distributing assets to heirs or beneficiaries. Banks will often wait to release estate funds for distribution until the representative can show that bills and obligations have been or will be paid. The personal representative should keep receipts and canceled checks for any estate disbursements and provide these in the final accounting.

4) Request account closing and obtain the bank closing statement

1. Contact the bank’s probate or fiduciary department. Explain you are the personal representative and request the steps and forms they require to close the estate account.
2. Provide the documents listed above (letters, death certificate, ID). Ask for a written list of required documents so you can supply everything in one visit.
3. Ask the bank to close the account and provide a formal written account closing statement or transaction history showing the final balance, interest, fees, distributions, and the date of closure. Most banks will provide a bank-generated closing statement or final account statement on bank letterhead or their fiduciary account form. If the bank will not produce a single-page “closing statement,” request printed account statements for the account period plus a signed bank letter confirming the account is closed and showing the final disposition of funds.
4. Get the closing statement in a certified or bank-signed form if the probate court requires it. Keep multiple certified copies for the estate file and for filing with the court (if required).

5) File the final accounting and petition for discharge with the court (when required)

If the estate is being administered through formal probate in Alaska, the personal representative normally must file a final account and petition for settlement and discharge with the probate court. The court will review the accounting, ensure debts and taxes are paid, and enter an order approving distributions and discharging the representative. The bank closing statement is an important attachment to that final accounting. For basic probate information and forms from the Alaska court system, see: Alaska Court System — Probate.

6) Special situations to watch for

• If there are joint-account issues (disputes about survivorship) or competing beneficiary claims, a bank may refuse to close or distribute without a court order resolving the conflict.
• If the estate holds securities or brokerage accounts, those institutions may require additional paperwork (transfer forms or letters of instruction) beyond what a retail bank needs.
• If the account funds will be used to pay a large creditor or to purchase property for the estate, get the bank’s written instructions or confirmation showing how they disbursed funds to avoid disputes later.

7) Keep careful records

Retain the bank closing statement, all bank statements from the date of death, receipts for expenses and distributions, and any court filings. These documents prove the estate handled funds properly and will be needed for the final accounting, tax filings, and to protect the personal representative from later claims.

Where to find Alaska statutes and court information

Alaska’s probate laws appear in Title 13 of the Alaska Statutes. For the statutes and for court resources (forms, local probate procedures, and contact information), see:

• Alaska Legislature — statutes and code (Title 13 governs decedents’ estates)
• Alaska Court System — Probate information and forms

Helpful Hints

• Ask the bank for its probate or fiduciary checklist in writing so you know exactly what documents they require.
• Order several certified copies of the death certificate from the Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics; banks and many institutions usually require an official copy.
• Get certified copies of the letters testamentary/administration from the probate clerk — banks generally will not accept uncertified photocopies.
• If the account is POD or payable to a named beneficiary, the beneficiary should contact the bank with ID and the death certificate — these accounts often pass outside probate and can be transferred more quickly.
• Do not distribute estate funds to beneficiaries until you are sure all creditor claims and tax obligations are addressed or until the court approves the distribution in a formal probate case.
• Ask the bank to provide the closing statement on bank letterhead and signed or stamped by the bank’s fiduciary/probate representative if you plan to file it with the court.
• If the bank won’t provide a single closing statement, compile the account’s transaction history plus a signed bank confirmation that the account is closed and funds were disbursed as shown.
• Keep originals and certified copies in the estate file and give copies to the attorney or accountant who helps with final tax filings and the court accounting.
• If you run into a refusal or dispute from the bank, you can request guidance from the probate clerk about court orders that the bank will accept, or consider asking the court for an order directing the bank to comply.

Note: This page is meant to explain common probate and estate-account procedures in Alaska. It is not legal advice. For case-specific guidance, especially if disputes or complex assets exist, consult a licensed Alaska probate or estate attorney.