Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.FindLaw IM Template2026-07-01T15:49:01Zhttps://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1604776/2024/10/cropped-Baxter-Bruce-Sullivan-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.<![CDATA[5 documents you need to establish a basic estate plan]]>https://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/?p=474622026-07-01T15:49:01Z2026-07-01T15:49:01ZLast will and testament
A will governs the distribution of your probate assets and names a personal representative to manage your estate, though it does not override non-probate asset transfers. For parents, one important choice may involve naming a guardian for minor children. It might be helpful to update this document after major life changes, such as after a marriage, divorce or the birth of a child.
Revocable living trust
A trust may hold your assets during your lifetime and help distribute them after your death. One common benefit is that it could help some assets avoid a long court process. Homeowners, blended families and people who want to remain private may want to consider this option. A trust usually works best when you properly retitle the right assets.
Durable power of attorney
A durable power of attorney may let you choose someone to handle financial tasks when you are unable to manage them yourself. That person could take care of bills, bank matters and tax-related issues on your behalf. You might also choose whether the authority starts immediately or begins after a doctor or another authorized person confirms that you need help.
Advance healthcare directive
In Alaska, an Advance Health Care Directive is a unified statutory legal instrument that combines your individual medical instructions and the designation of a durable power of attorney for health care. It could state your medical wishes about life support and name a medical decision-maker. You may want to share copies with your doctors and your chosen agent.
Beneficiary designations
Life insurance policies and retirement accounts often use named beneficiaries. Having these documents may override a traditional will, so it could be useful to review them after key life events.
Moving forward with your plan
While these core documents serve as a foundation, your unique circumstances may still require additional, specialized documents to fully protect your assets. Because Alaska has specific legal requirements for these, you may want to make sure each document follows the required steps. Doing so could help you feel more confident that your plan reflects your wishes.]]>On Behalf of Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.<![CDATA[5 common myths about divorce—debunked]]>https://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/?p=474452026-05-12T10:46:14Z2026-05-12T10:46:14ZYou hear stories from friends and family about their divorce. TV shows and movies show divorce in extreme ways. These heard stories and made up shows create common wrong ideas about how divorce really works. Knowing the truth about Alaska divorce law helps you make smart choices and set real goals.
Myths that confuse divorcing couples
Many widely believed divorce "facts" are simply wrong. These myths can lead to poor planning and extra stress:
"Divorce takes forever in Alaska": While fights can drag on, Alaska allows simple divorces to finish fairly fast once you meet the time living here and required waiting period. Many couples finish in a few months.
"Everything gets split 50/50": Alaska is an equitable distribution state. Courts divide property fairly based on many things including what each spouse gave, how much you can earn and what you need. Fair does not always mean equal halves.
"Mothers always get custody": Alaska courts make custody choices based on the child's best interests without favoring mothers over fathers. Both parents have equal rights and judges look at things like each parent's bond with the child and ability to provide stable care.
"I get support if I earn less": Alaska does not promise spousal support to spouses making less money. Courts look at marriage length, each spouse's money matters, what you gave to the marriage and ability to support yourself before awarding support.
"My spouse cheating means I get everything": Alaska is a no-fault divorce state. While fault can affect property division in some cases, cheating does not give you a larger share of marital assets or promise better custody plans.
Knowing how Alaska divorce law really works prevents unreal hopes and helps you plan well. Legal help fit to your exact case provides right facts rather than counting on myths that may not apply to your case at all.
]]>On Behalf of Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.<![CDATA[Tips for handling conflicts with your co-parent]]>https://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/?p=474442026-04-30T17:03:12Z2026-04-30T17:03:12Zconflict resolution measures built into your parenting plan. This can set a clear course for what needs to happen when you can’t agree.
Set clear boundaries
Clear boundaries can reduce repeated arguments. There are several things that you should consider when you’re deciding what boundaries to set. This may include determining a method of communication, such as written or verbal communication, as well as times when non-emergency communication are acceptable. It’s also a good idea to limit communication to things related to the children.
Know when to take a break
Trying to push through to a resolution when you and your ex are both tense or angry likely won’t end well. Instead of trying to do this, you should know when to take a step back. You and your ex can use the time to calm down and think about the resolution options. Be sure you agree on a time to come back together to discuss a particular matter again.
Avoid placing blame
Avoid placing the blame when challenging things occur. Even if it’s clear that one parent was responsible for a situation, placing blame will never diffuse anything. Instead, focus on trying to solve the underlying issue and doing what’s best for the children. The exception to this might be if the children’s safety is being intentionally or negligently compromised.
Your parenting plan is the cornerstone of your co-parenting relationship, so it should be comprehensive. It should include the parenting time schedule, guidelines about making decisions for the children and agreements that you and your ex make. These plans are often complex, so it might be best to have a legal professional on your side who can help you to better ensure that your concerns are properly addressed in the plan.]]>On Behalf of Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.<![CDATA[What is the ideal age to create an estate plan?]]>https://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/?p=474432026-04-12T11:24:52Z2026-04-12T11:24:52ZWhen is the right age to create an estate plan?
Waiting until life feels settled and stable to establish an estate plan is a common mistake. Parents with one child but intending to have three might tell themselves they'll draft documents after they're done having children. Those living in an apartment may say that buying a home is the life goal that makes estate planning necessary.
Those experiences may require the creation of an estate plan or the modification of existing documents. However, the initial estate planning process should ideally occur well before people are old enough to have finished growing their families or purchased a home. As soon as a young adult turns 18, they are somewhat legally vulnerable. Their parents can no longer access their assets or their medical records if an emergency occurs.
They may need to create an advance directive explaining their medical wishes and powers of attorney designating someone they trust to act as their agent in an emergency scenario. They can also draft a will if they have any assets that they want to designate to a specific person. Otherwise, intestate succession laws dictate that their immediate family members inherit all of their property.
People who estate plan early can continue adding new documents and updating existing ones to reflect changes in their families and their personal holdings. As a general rule, the sooner that people begin estate planning, the better.
Reviewing family and personal circumstances with a skilled legal team can help people identify their current estate planning needs. Those who create documents and then update them regularly can protect themselves and their loved ones from a broad range of challenging situations.]]>On Behalf of Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.<![CDATA[Can pets be included in a prenup or custody agreement in Alaska?]]>https://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/?p=474412026-03-23T09:53:11Z2026-03-23T09:47:17ZYou might think of your pet as family, not property. Still, during a divorce, the law may treat pets differently than you expect. In Alaska, state law suggests that a pet’s well-being can matter in court decisions, which marks a shift from treating animals purely as assets.
Knowing how Alaska law treats pets helps you plan ahead and may reduce conflict if a marriage ends.
Alaska’s approach to pet custody
Traditionally, Alaska law treats pets as personal property, much like furniture or electronics. That meant courts could divide pets based on ownership or financial contributions rather than emotional bonds. Alaska, however, has taken steps to recognize pets as living beings. Judges can now consider what arrangement best supports the pet’s welfare. In some cases, that could include a court order for joint ownership.This approach allows couples to discuss and agree on care plans that reflect a pet’s daily needs and emotional bonds. Thinking ahead may make it easier to avoid disputes later.
Including pets in a prenuptial agreement
Prenuptial agreements outline how couples plan to divide property if a marriage ends. You can include pets in these agreements to cover practical and emotional considerations. Examples include:
Who will have primary care of the pet if the marriage ends
How you will share veterinary and daily expenses
Schedules for visits or shared time
Documenting these terms may reduce uncertainty and make transitions smoother. It also gives both partners an opportunity to shape the outcome rather than leaving decisions entirely to the court.
Considering joint care or shared time
Some couples may prefer to continue sharing responsibilities for their pets after divorce. While joint ownership is not guaranteed, Alaska courts may consider such arrangements if they align with the pet’s welfare. Possible elements of a shared arrangement include:
A rotating schedule for time with each partner
Dividing responsibilities for feeding, exercise and veterinary care
Guidelines for travel or changes in living situations
Discussing these details in advance can help both you and your pet adjust more easily.
A thoughtful approach
Planning for your pet’s care before or during marriage may help reduce uncertainty and support the animal’s well-being. Understanding Alaska’s specific laws and approaches to pet care helps you have informed discussions and reach agreements, shaping prenup or divorce arrangements that feel fair and practical for everyone.]]>On Behalf of Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.<![CDATA[Co-parenting hacks: tips for peaceful shared custody arrangements]]>https://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/?p=474402026-03-09T08:40:56Z2026-03-09T08:40:56ZSuccessful co-parenting requires a steady hand and a clear focus on your children. Shared custody often feels like a balancing act where emotions and logistics collide. To build a stable environment, parents must transition from former partners to professional teammates.
Alaska law prioritizes the best interests of the child, which means your cooperation directly impacts their well-being. Using the right tools and mindset makes this transition smoother for everyone involved.
Sync your digital calendars
Shared schedules prevent missed handoffs and double-booked weekends. Apps like Google Calendar or specialized parenting platforms keep everyone on the same page. You can track school holidays and doctor appointments without a long phone call.
Create a consistent rulebook
Children thrive when they know what to expect. Align basic rules regarding bedtimes, screen time and homework across both households. Consistency reduces anxiety for the kids and minimizes friction between parents.
Maintain professional communication
Treat your co-parent like a business colleague. Use written messages for non-urgent logistics to keep a clear record and lower emotional tension. Professionalism ensures the conversation stays on the kids rather than past grievances.
Select neutral exchange spots
Handoffs can cause stress for children. Pick a public, neutral location like a park or a library to keep the atmosphere light. Alaska courts value a peaceful environment where kids feel safe moving between parents.
Document all shared expenses
Financial disagreements often sour shared custody. Use a shared spreadsheet to track costs like sports fees or school supplies. Attaching digital receipts immediately prevents confusion and keeps the focus on your children.
Securing your family’s future
While these hacks manage daily life, a solid legal foundation protects your rights and your child’s stability. A skilled attorney can clear court orders, define responsibilities and prevent future disputes. They can help with specific nuances of Alaska statutes to ensure your arrangement remains fair and enforceable. A professional advocate ensures that your voice carries weight while you focus on raising happy kids.
]]>On Behalf of Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.<![CDATA[Which factors determine who gets to keep a pet after a divorce?]]>https://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/?p=474392026-02-03T12:11:16Z2026-02-03T12:11:16ZWhich factors decide which spouse keeps a pet?
Courts in Alaska favor equitable distribution when deciding how to divide marital assets and consider pets as personal property. This means pets may be subject to marital asset division.
To divide these assets in a fair and just manner, judges examine numerous factors such as the financial situation of each spouse. However, when determining which spouse keeps a pet, the court considers some additional factors:
Caregiving responsibilities: Courts consider which spouse is the primary caregiver by examining who spends more time feeding, grooming or training a pet.
Expenses: The spouse who often pays for vet visits, medication or insurance is more likely to receive the pet after a divorce.
Living setups: Courts favor spouses who have suitable accommodations for pets in their home, such as yards or a work setup that allows pet supervision.
Safety: A spouse with a history of neglect or abuse is less likely to keep the pet after a divorce.
Another major factor is whether a pet is marital property or not. A spouse with ownership of a pet that predates the marriage, or receives it as a gift, is more likely to keep the pet after a divorce. This is because it can be considered separate property. On the other hand, a pet a couple acquires during a marriage becomes marital property, subjecting it to equitable distribution.
Can you negotiate to see which spouse keeps a pet?
Spouses do not always need the court’s input to decide who gets to keep a pet. Equitable distribution applies to pets as Alaska considers them personal property, but a divorcing couple can still reach an agreement, typically through mediation or negotiation.
This allows spouses to decide who keeps the pet and pays future veterinary bills, as well as how they should handle microchip registry and licensing changes. Whether the court decides who keeps the pet or if the spouses reach an agreement, determining a pet’s owner is important because it helps ensure the animal’s welfare and stability.]]>On Behalf of Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.<![CDATA[How are out-of-state properties handled in a divorce in Alaska?]]>https://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/?p=474352026-01-30T11:08:52Z2026-01-29T14:52:00ZHow do courts in Alaska divide out-of-state property after a divorce?
In Alaska, courts can order divorcing couples to divide their assets in a manner that is both fair and equitable. Even if the properties are outside of the state’s jurisdiction, the couples that own them are still subject to orders from the court. If a couple fails to comply, the court can coerce them through civil contempt.
To divide out-of-state property with equitable distribution in mind, the court can orders spouses to sell it and divide the proceeds amongst themselves. Similarly, they can co-own the property.
If one spouse wants the property more than the other, they can opt to buy out their share and claim sole ownership. This way, the divorcing couple can decide what they want to do with their properties on their own terms, helping them settle the matter in a way that is just and right.
What is the importance of equitable distribution?
Dividing assets equitably helps ensure that neither spouse faces undue hardships after a divorce. It can be difficult for people to adjust to living alone after being married, especially if the couple’s earning abilities were not equal. This distribution protects people with lower incomes or those who sacrificed their careers, allowing both spouses to start anew.]]>On Behalf of Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.<![CDATA[Leasing a vet clinic in Juneau? 4 key lease clauses to review]]>https://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/?p=474182025-10-13T19:52:09Z2025-10-13T19:52:09ZDefine your specific permitted use
The "Permitted Use" clause must list all your veterinary services in detail, from routine exams to surgeries. A generic "office space" designation is not enough, especially in Juneau, where zoning differs between historic and newer areas.
Your lease should confirm that your practice complies with all local zoning and specific property covenants.
Clarify responsibility for legal compliance
Veterinary practices must adhere to a complex web of regulations. A thorough lease should specify who is financially responsible for compliance-related building updates.
This involves installing specific ventilation systems or accessible entryways. Establishing these obligations before signing prevents unexpected and potentially significant costs.
Plan for the Juneau construction timeline
In Juneau, even a simple renovation can face delays. Since all materials arrive by barge or air, your lease's Tenant Improvement clause is critical.
Ensure it provides a flexible timeline for any build-out and clarifies who covers costs if supply chain issues push back your opening date. This prevents you from paying rent on a space you cannot yet occupy.
Address the handling of unique materials
Your clinic will handle biohazardous waste, chemicals and medications. Your lease must address their proper disposal, but in Juneau, this goes a step further.
It should state who is responsible for providing and maintaining mandatory wildlife-proof waste enclosures. This is to comply with City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) ordinances. A failure to do so can attract bears, creating liability for both your practice and the landlord.
A lease that supports your practice's future
By addressing these Juneau-specific issues upfront, you can build a stronger, more transparent relationship with your landlord and secure the long-term health of your business.
If you have questions about a commercial lease agreement, consider seeking guidance from a professional experienced in Alaska's business and real estate laws. A lawyer can help ensure the agreement truly protects your investment and supports your clinic's future growth.]]>On Behalf of Baxter Bruce & Sullivan P.C.<![CDATA[Exploring animal rights in Alaska: Legal perspectives and statutes]]>https://www.baxterbrucelaw.com/?p=474032025-05-20T21:51:41Z2025-05-20T21:51:41ZWelcome to the wild world of animal law in Alaska, where the moose roam free and the laws are as intriguing as a bear on a unicycle. While you might not find any circus acts in our statutes, Alaska does offer unique legal protections for animals. So grab your snow boots and a warm cup of cocoa as we dive into the legal landscape of animal rights in the Last Frontier.
Understanding Alaska's animal rights statutes
Alaska became the first state to allow pets to be considered in divorce proceedings, reflecting a growing recognition of animals as family members rather than property. Here are some key aspects of Alaska's animal rights laws:
Pet custody in divorce: Alaska's statutes allow judges to consider the well-being of pets during divorce proceedings, ensuring that our furry friends are placed in the best environment possible.
Animal cruelty laws: Alaska has strict regulations against animal cruelty, with penalties that include fines and imprisonment. These laws aim to protect animals from harm and ensure humane treatment.
Protection for wildlife: The state also enforces regulations to protect wildlife, balancing conservation efforts with the rights of landowners and businesses.
These laws highlight Alaska's commitment to animal welfare and offer guidance for those involved in animal-related legal matters.
Navigating animal law in Alaska
For individuals or businesses engaged in animal-related activities, understanding these statutes is crucial. Here's how you can navigate this legal terrain:
Consulting with legal experts: To ensure compliance with local regulations, seek legal advice from professionals who specialize in animal law.
Understanding contracts: If you're involved in breeding or leasing animals, clear contracts that outline responsibilities and rights are essential.
Staying informed: Keep up-to-date with changes in animal law to ensure your practices align with current legal standards.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your interests and contribute to the welfare of animals in Alaska.Alaska's animal rights statutes are a testament to the state's commitment to protecting both domesticated and wild animals. Whether you're navigating pet custody in a divorce or ensuring humane treatment of wildlife, understanding these laws can help safeguard our furry and feathered friends. So, next time you're enjoying the great outdoors, remember that Alaska's laws are there to protect every creature, big or small.]]>