Probate in Alaska

Alaska probate is administered in the Superior Court of the judicial district where the deceased resided. Alaska follows the Uniform Probate Code and allows informal (unsupervised) administration in most cases. Alaska has one of the more generous simplified estate thresholds in the country.

Alaska probate typically takes 6–12 months. Geographic factors can affect timeline in rural areas.

Simplified estate procedures

Alaska allows a small estate affidavit for personal property of $150,000 or less, available 30 days after death — one of the higher thresholds in the country. Alaska also has simplified procedures for surviving spouses.

Alaska authorizes transfer on death deeds for real property.

Death certificates

Alaska death certificates are issued by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (ADHSS) Bureau of Vital Statistics. The cost is $30 per certified copy — one of the higher rates in the country, reflecting Alaska's administrative costs. Order through ADHSS or VitalChek.

Order at least 10–12 certified copies when the funeral home files the initial certificate. For estates with assets in remote areas, additional time may be needed for administrative processes.

Estate and inheritance tax

  • State estate tax: Alaska has no state estate tax and no inheritance tax.

The federal estate tax applies only to estates above $13.61 million (2024 threshold).

Notable rules

  • $150,000 small estate threshold: Alaska's high threshold means many estates can use the simplified affidavit procedure instead of formal probate.
  • Creditor claim period: 4 months from the date of first publication of notice to creditors.
  • Transfer on death deed: Alaska allows transfer on death deeds for real property.
  • Optional community property: Alaska allows spouses to opt into community property treatment for certain assets through a written agreement — unusual among common law states.

Key contacts

  • Alaska vital statistics: hss.state.ak.us/dph/bvs
  • Alaska Court System probate: courts.alaska.gov
  • Alaska Bar Association lawyer referral: alaskabar.org