(a) A formal proceeding for adjudication regarding the priority or qualification of one who is an applicant for appointment as personal representative, or of one who previously has been appointed personal representative in informal proceedings, if an issue concerning the testacy of the decedent is or may be involved, is governed by AS 13.16.145, as well as by this section. In other cases, the petition must contain or adopt the statements required by AS 13.16.080(a)(1) and describe the question relating to priority or qualification of the personal representative that is to be resolved. If the proceeding precedes any appointment of a personal representative, it shall stay any pending informal appointment proceedings as well as any commenced thereafter. If the proceeding is commenced after appointment, the previously appointed personal representative, after receipt of notice thereof, shall refrain from exercising any power of administration except as necessary to preserve the estate or unless the court orders otherwise.
(b) After notice to interested persons, including all persons interested in the administration of the estate as successors under the applicable assumption concerning testacy, any previously appointed personal representative and any person having or claiming priority for appointment as personal representative, the court shall determine who is entitled to appointment under AS 13.16.065, make a proper appointment and, if appropriate, terminate any prior appointment found to have been improper as provided in cases of removal under AS 13.16.295.
Structure Alaska Statutes
Title 13. Decedents' Estates, Guardianships, Transfers, Trusts, and Health Care Decisions
Chapter 16. Probate of Wills and Administration
Article 4. Formal Testacy and Appointment Proceedings.
Sec. 13.16.140. Formal testacy proceedings; nature; when commenced.
Sec. 13.16.145. Formal testacy or appointment proceedings; petition; contents.
Sec. 13.16.150. Formal testacy proceeding; notice of hearing on petition.
Sec. 13.16.155. Formal testacy proceedings; written objections to probate.
Sec. 13.16.160. Formal testacy proceedings; uncontested cases; hearings and proof.
Sec. 13.16.165. Formal testacy proceedings; contested cases; testimony of attesting witnesses.
Sec. 13.16.170. Formal testacy proceedings; burdens in contested cases.
Sec. 13.16.180. Formal testacy proceedings; order; foreign will.
Sec. 13.16.185. Formal testacy proceedings; probate of more than one instrument.
Sec. 13.16.190. Formal testacy proceedings; partial intestacy.
Sec. 13.16.195. Formal testacy proceedings; effect of order; vacation.
Sec. 13.16.200. Formal testacy proceedings; vacation of order for other cause.
Sec. 13.16.205. Formal proceedings concerning appointment of personal representative.