Any person who receives assets from a probate estate is called either an heir or devisee of the estate. If there is a will, then the individuals who receive property through the will are called devisees. If there is no will, the persons receiving property are determined by the laws of intestate succession and are referred to as heirs. In Alaska, the laws of intestate succession are found in Alaska Statutes Title 13 Chapter 12. You may also refer to the rules of intestate succession.
Generally, an heir or devisee of an estate does not need to obtain legal representation. However, if the heir or devisee believes that the Personal Representative is not properly discharging his duty or otherwise suspects wrongdoing by the Personal Representative, then it is advisable to seek independent counsel.