How to Avoid Probate in Alaska

Non-probate options in Alaska include: transfer-on-death deeds for real estate, recorded before death (AS 13.48.010-13.48.070); payable-on-death and joint survivorship bank accounts, which belong to the surviving party or POD payee (AS 13.33.212); transfer-on-death registration of securities and brokerage accounts (AS 13.33.301 and following); property in a funded revocable trust (AS 13.36.340); and the small estate affidavit for up to $100,000 in vehicles plus $50,000 in other personal property (AS 13.16.680).

Thirty days after death, a successor can collect the decedent's personal property (money owed, bank accounts, stock and other personal items) by giving the holder an affidavit, if the whole estate, after liens and debts, is no more than $100,000 in registered vehicles plus no more than $50,000 in other personal property, and no personal representative has been requested or appointed anywhere. The court's form is the Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property of Decedent (P-110). It cannot be used if the decedent owned real estate, except property held as tenants by the entirety or passing by a transfer-on-death deed.

Yes. An owner can transfer real estate at death by a transfer-on-death deed. The owner needs the same capacity as for a will. The deed must have the elements and formalities of a recordable deed, state that the transfer happens at the owner's death, not name beneficiaries only as a class, and be recorded before the owner's death in the recording district where the property is located. Notice to or acceptance by the beneficiary is not required, and the deed can be revoked by a later recorded instrument.