While it is not legally required, it is generally advisable to have a will ready to protect your assets and your loved ones. A will outlines what happens to your belongings and properties if anything happens to you. It is an essential part of estate planning and if you are looking into creating a will in Alaska, you must ensure you meet the state’s requirements.
The testator and their witnesses
For a will to be valid in Alaska, the testator should be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. But what qualifies as having a sound mind? It means that the individual making the will should have sufficient mental capacity to understand the act of making a will and its effects.
Moreover, at least two individuals should sign the document within a reasonable time after they witness the testator signing or acknowledging the will. Unlike other states, Alaska allows a beneficiary to be a witness without losing any property gifted to them.
Can a will come in another form?
Yes. There are a couple of instances when a will is in a form other than what the testator’s attorney has prepared.
If the testator is a mariner or soldier in military service, they may create an oral will. However, the testator should reduce their words into writing within 30 days or make available evidence of the same within six months from the spoken will.
While it is common for the testator’s attorney to write the will, handwritten or “Holographic” wills are also valid as long as the signature and substantial portions of the will are in the testator’s handwriting. As long as the document meets the aforementioned requirement, the state does not require witnesses.
Double-check its validity
Writing how and to whom you wish your assets distributed seems like a simple task. However, you may want to seek legal assistance to confirm that the will you prepared is sound and valid.