An estate plan is a set of instructions for the people you love. It says who gets what, who is in charge, and what you want if you cannot speak for yourself. Without one, Alaska law decides, and the people you leave behind spend months sorting it out.
Kaden Vanwey took a special interest in bioethics in law school, and it shows in how he approaches end-of-life planning. These are personal conversations, and he treats them that way. The documents are straightforward. The decisions behind them deserve care.
What Kaden handles
- Wills
- Healthcare powers of attorney and advance directives
- Durable powers of attorney for finances
- Guardianship nominations for minor children
- Burial and final arrangement instructions
- Plan reviews and updates
Estate Planning services
Wills
Wasilla attorney for drafting and updating wills under Alaska law.
Read morePowers of Attorney
Alaska attorney for healthcare powers of attorney, advance directives, and durable financial powers of attorney.
Read moreWhy Alaskans put this off, and why you should not
Most people do not have a will. They mean to. Then a fishing season goes by, then a winter, and it never gets done. The reason to do it now is not morbid. It is that a plan written while you are healthy and clear-headed is far better than one your family has to guess at in a hospital hallway.
For families with young children, the most important document is often the one that names a guardian. For older Alaskans, it is the healthcare directive. For anyone who owns a home, a business, or a cabin, it is the will that keeps those assets from being tied up.
What a basic Alaska estate plan includes
A complete plan for most people is a will, a healthcare power of attorney with an advance directive, and a durable power of attorney for finances. Together they cover what happens after death and what happens if you are alive but unable to make decisions. Kaden will tell you if your situation calls for more than that, and he will tell you if it does not.
“Incredibly knowledgeable, thorough, and detail-oriented. What really stands out is his honesty and integrity.”
“They broke down the realities of my situation and offered practical, strategic options. Absolute honesty, integrity, and respect for my budget.”
Estate Planning questions
What happens if I die without a will in Alaska?
Your property passes under Alaska's intestacy laws. A surviving spouse and children take set shares depending on the family structure. If there are no close relatives, more distant ones inherit. The court, not you, chooses who manages the estate.
Does Alaska have an estate tax?
No. Alaska has no state estate tax or inheritance tax. The federal estate tax applies only to very large estates.
Do I need a trust?
Many Alaskans do not. A will plus properly titled accounts and beneficiary designations covers most families. Trusts help with privacy, blended families, disabled beneficiaries, or property in multiple states. Kaden will tell you honestly whether one is worth it for you.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review it after any major life change: marriage, divorce, a new child, a death in the family, buying or selling property, or starting a business. Otherwise, every few years is a good habit.
Serving the Mat-Su Valley and Anchorage
Arctic Law Alaska handles estate planning matters for clients in Wasilla, Palmer, Anchorage, and the Mat-Su Valley. Consultations are available in person at the Wasilla office or by phone.