Detailed Answer

Short answer: In Alaska, if your sibling died without a will (intestate) you can seek appointment as the estate’s personal representative (often called an administrator). The court will appoint a personal representative according to the priority set by Alaska probate law. To qualify you must meet the court’s requirements, be next in the statutory priority order or have the agreement of higher‑priority persons, file a petition in the appropriate Alaska superior court, give required notices, and obtain letters appointing you.

How Alaska law controls who can be appointed

Alaska probate law (Title 13) sets two key rules you need to know:

Intestate succession rules determine who inherits the estate, and those people are the heirs. See Alaska’s probate statutes for intestacy rules: AS 13.12 (Intestate Succession).
Administration rules set the order of priority for appointing a personal representative. The court generally follows that list unless someone with higher priority is unavailable or disqualified, or the heirs agree otherwise. See Alaska’s administration statutes: AS 13.16 (Administration & Personal Representatives).

Typical order of priority and what it means for a sibling

While exact statutory language is in Title 13, the practical priority works like this (common across probate systems):

Spouse or domestic partner usually has top priority.
Adult children typically follow the spouse.
If no spouse or children, parents may have priority.
Siblings are often next in line after parents.

If your sibling left no spouse, no surviving children, and no surviving parents, siblings commonly are the next highest priority. If multiple siblings seek appointment, the court may look for agreement among them or decide based on who is best suited to serve.

Minimum qualifications and disqualifications

To qualify you generally must:

Be an adult (age 18+).
Be legally competent (able to carry out duties).
Not be disqualified under Alaska law (for example, certain criminal convictions or conflicts may prevent appointment).

If you are unsure whether a particular legal disability applies, raise the issue with the clerk or an attorney because statutes and case law govern disqualifications and may vary by circumstance.

Steps to apply to be appointed

Locate the proper Alaska Superior Court for the decedent’s residence. Probate petitions are filed in the Superior Court for the district where the decedent lived.
Prepare and file a petition for probate and appointment of personal representative. The petition asks the court to open an administration and appoint you. Attach a certified death certificate if available.
Identify and notify heirs and interested parties. Alaska law requires notice to heirs and may require notice to creditors. The court provides forms and will set deadlines.
Provide any required bond or request waiver. The court may require a bond (insurance) to protect the estate, but heirs can consent to waive the bond or the court can waive it in some cases.
Attend any hearing the court schedules. If no one objects, the court often grants the petition and issues letters of administration (the formal authority to act).
Carry out duties: collect estate assets, pay valid debts and taxes, file inventory and accountings if required, and distribute assets to heirs under Alaska’s intestacy rules.

When siblings lose priority or disputes occur

If someone else with higher priority (for example, a surviving parent or a spouse) is available and objects, the court will appoint the higher‑priority person unless they refuse. If multiple siblings want to serve, the court may appoint the sibling who is best able to administer the estate (availability, location, financial responsibility, and conflicts are considered). If heirs agree, they can nominate and support a particular sibling for appointment to simplify the process.

Alternatives to full probate

Alaska provides summary or small‑estate procedures for limited assets or when the estate meets thresholds for simplified administration. These procedures can avoid full formal probate. Check the Superior Court’s probate forms and guidance to see whether a small‑estate affidavit or simplified petition applies to your situation.

Where to find the statutes and court forms

Alaska Statutes, Title 13 (Probate): https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#13
AS 13.12 (Intestate succession): https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#13.12
AS 13.16 (Administration and personal representatives): https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#13.16
Alaska Court System — Superior Court and probate information and forms: https://public.courts.alaska.gov/

Practical checklist — before you file

Obtain certified death certificate(s).
Gather basic asset information: bank accounts, real property, titles, and insurance.
Identify all potential heirs and their contact information.
Talk to other heirs; written consents can speed appointment and may waive bond requirements.
Check for a will or other estate planning documents (sometimes spouses or children think there was none when a will exists).
Consider whether the estate qualifies for small‑estate procedures.

Important procedural note: Probate procedure and deadlines matter. Missed notices or incorrect filings can delay appointment or lead to disputes. If heirs disagree or if the estate is complicated, consider consulting a licensed Alaska attorney or using local court self‑help resources.

Helpful Hints

Start by checking whether a will exists. An apparent lack of a will does not always mean one doesn’t exist; check with relatives, the decedent’s attorney, or bank safe‑deposit records.
If you and other heirs agree, file a joint petition naming a single personal representative to reduce cost and delay.
Obtain signed waivers from heirs to avoid the bond requirement—courts commonly accept waivers from distributing heirs.
Keep careful records from day one: lists of assets, receipts for estate expenses, and communications with heirs. You will likely need to provide an inventory and accounting.
If assets are small or only a few accounts exist, ask the court clerk if simplified procedures apply before filing a full probate petition.
Contact the Alaska Superior Court clerk’s office for local filing requirements and any required forms; most courts publish probate forms and filing checklists online.

Disclaimer: This article is intended to explain general Alaska probate concepts and steps to seek appointment as a personal representative after a sibling dies without a will. It is educational information only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact a licensed Alaska attorney or the Alaska court clerk.