An Alaska last will and testament is a legal document created by the person to whom the will belongs, known as a “Testator,” to ensure their personal and real property will be distributed upon death following their desired wishes. A testator can name the intended beneficiaries on the will, such as family members, friends, or other individuals with whom they wish to leave all or a portion of their property. The testator must create the document while they are of sound mind as well as physically and mentally competent. A will requires the signatures of two witnesses in the State of Alaska. Though optional, the will can also be acknowledged by a notary public to add an extra layer of protection.
Table of Contents
Laws
Definition – AS 13.12.921(2) – “international will” means a will executed in conformity with AS 13.12.912 — 13.12.915.
Signing Requirements (AS 13.12.502) – Two (2) Witnesses. Recommended for them to be disinterested which means they are not beneficiaries of the will.
Statutes – Chapter 12 (Intestacy, Wills, and Donative Transfers)
(Video) How to Make a Will in Alaska
How to Write
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Step 1 – Testator – Enter the full legal name of the testator (the person for whom the will is being established) and the following:
- Name of Testator
- City where the testator resides
- County where the testator resides
- Testator must carefully read and review the remainder of the paragraph as well as “Expenses and Taxes”
Step 2 – Appointment of Personal Representative –
- Enter the name of the representative
- City
- County
- State
Alternate Representative – in the event the initial representative becomes unable or unwilling to serve as representative to the estate
- Name of the alternate
- City where alternate resides
- County of residence
- State of residence
Step 3 – Disposition of Property –
Beneficiaries –
- Full name
- Address
- Relation to testator
- Enter the last four digits of SSN
- Describe property gifted to each
Step 4 – Testator must carefully review each titled section as follows:
- Omission
- Bond
- Discretionary Powers of Personal Representative
- Contesting Beneficiary
- Guardian Ad Litem Not Required
- Gender
- Assignment
- Governing Law
- Binding Arrangement
Step 5 – Signatures and Witnesses – All signing parties must be present prior to any signing of this documentation.
- Enter the testator’s name
- Date testator’s signature in dd/mm/yyyy format
- Testator Signature
- Testator (Printed Name)
Witnesses – Must read the brief statement –
- Date the document in dd/mm/yyyy format
- Enter the name of the testator
Witness 1 –
- Witness Signature
- Physical Address
Witness 2 –
- Witness Signature
- Physical Address
Step 6 – Testament Affidavit – All parties must review the affidavit and complete the following:
- State
- County
- Name of testator
- Name of Witness 1
- Name of Witness 2
- Next, enter the signatures of the same
- Testator Signature
- Witness 1 Signature
- Witness 2 Signature
Step 7 (Optional) – Notarization – As the notary public has witnessed all signatures they will complete the remainder of the document.
Related Forms
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Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney
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