AK risk area

Probate risk in Alaska

Court-supervised estate process, timing, cost exposure, and public record requirements.

Alaska offers informal probate with minimal court supervision and a small-estate affidavit for limited personal property and vehicles.

How long does probate typically take here?What costs and fees should families expect?What becomes public during probate?

At a glance

Key takeaways

Informal probate allows a personal representative to administer the estate with minimal court supervision and usually no hearings.
Small-estate affidavits are available 30 days after death if personal property is $50,000 or less and vehicles total $100,000 or less.
No personal representative can be pending or appointed when using the small-estate affidavit.
Informal probate must generally be started within three years of death.

Questions to consider

State overview

Alaska offers informal probate with minimal court supervision and a small-estate affidavit for limited personal property and vehicles.

Informal probate allows a personal representative to administer the estate with minimal court supervision and usually no hearings.
Small-estate affidavits are available 30 days after death if personal property is $50,000 or less and vehicles total $100,000 or less.
No personal representative can be pending or appointed when using the small-estate affidavit.
Informal probate must generally be started within three years of death.

Sources

Risk sources

Uniform Probate Code (2019) - Probate of wills and administration
Article III covers appointment, notices, creditor claims, and small-estate collection (Section 3-1201).

National sources provide baseline context; state statutes and court rules control in Alaska.