Alaska: How to Prove a Zero Balance and Close Your Spouse’s Estate in Court
How to Prove a Zero Balance and Close a Spouse’s Estate in Alaska Quick overview: To formally close a spouse’s probate in Alaska when there is no remaining estate, you must show the court that all assets have been identified and distributed, debts and expenses have been paid (or that none exist), creditors have been […]
Read article →Using a Small Estate Affidavit in Alaska: When It Can Replace Formal Probate
Can a Small Estate Affidavit Replace Formal Probate in Alaska? Short answer: Under Alaska law, you may be able to use a small estate affidavit (or other simplified collection procedures) to collect and distribute certain personal property from an intestate estate instead of opening a full probate. Whether you can do so depends on the […]
Read article →Do I have to go to court if mediation fails in an Alaska partition or probate dispute?
What to expect after mediation fails in a partition or probate dispute in Alaska Short answer: If mediation does not produce a settlement, you usually must proceed through the Alaska court system to resolve a partition or probate dispute. Mediation can reduce issues and narrow the fight, but a court can make final, binding decisions […]
Read article →Opening Probate in Alaska from Out of State: A Practical FAQ
Detailed Answer Short answer: You can start probate in Alaska for a deceased sibling even if you live in another state, but you must follow Alaska procedures. The probate case is normally opened in the Alaska Superior Court in the judicial district where the decedent lived when they died. Alaska law governing probate, estates, and […]
Read article →How to Settle a Parent’s Estate in Alaska and Handle Property in Another State
Detailed Answer This article explains the typical steps to settle a decedent’s estate under Alaska law and how to handle real or other property located in a different state. This is an educational guide only and is not legal advice. Step 1 — Confirm domicile, locate documents, and secure property Confirm where your parent was […]
Read article →Alaska: Can a Co‑Heir Be Required to Reimburse an Appraisal Before an Estate Buyout?
Detailed Answer When one heir obtains an appraisal during an estate buyout, whether you can force a co‑heir to reimburse that cost depends on three things: (1) any prior agreement between the heirs or with the personal representative, (2) whether the appraisal was performed as an estate administration expense, and (3) whether a court orders […]
Read article →How to Transfer Real Property After a Spouse’s Death in Alaska
How to transfer real property ownership after a spouse’s death — practical steps for Alaska This FAQ-style guide explains the common steps people in Alaska must take to have real property titled in a child’s name after a spouse dies. This is general information only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Alaska attorney […]
Read article →Alaska: Ensuring a Wrongful Death Settlement Is Filed and Split Correctly
How to make sure a wrongful death settlement is filed and split correctly in Alaska Disclaimer: This is educational information only and not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For binding legal guidance about your case, talk with a licensed Alaska attorney. Detailed answer — step‑by‑step: filing and enforcing the agreed split under Alaska […]
Read article →Alaska — Do I Need a Transfer‑On‑Death Deed or Payable‑On‑Death Designation If My Will Leaves Everything to My Daughter?
Detailed Answer Short answer: Yes — a will alone does not control assets that already pass outside probate. If you want property or accounts to pass automatically to your daughter without probate, you still need the appropriate non‑probate transfer method (for example, a payable‑on‑death designation for bank accounts or a transfer‑on‑death deed for real property). […]
Read article →How to Transfer a Deceased Parent's House to Children in Alaska (When There Is No Will)
What to do when a parent dies without a will in Alaska and you need the house transferred to the children Short answer: First determine how the house was owned (joint owner, tenancy, or sole owner). If the decedent owned the home alone, you will generally need to open probate in Alaska and have a […]
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