A will does three things: it says who receives your property, it names the person who will handle your estate, and if you have minor children, it names their guardian. It is the foundation of every estate plan.
Kaden drafts wills that are clear, valid under Alaska law, and specific enough that your family does not have to argue about what you meant.
What makes a will valid in Alaska
Alaska requires that a will be in writing, signed by the person making it, and signed by two witnesses. Alaska also recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills without witnesses if the material parts are in the maker's handwriting, but those are a frequent source of disputes. A properly witnessed will with a self-proving affidavit is far easier for the court to accept.
Choosing a personal representative
The personal representative (executor) gathers your assets, pays debts, and distributes what is left. It is real work. Choose someone organized and trustworthy, and name a backup. It does not need to be a family member.
Naming a guardian for your children
If both parents die, the court appoints a guardian. Your will is where you tell the court who you want. Without it, relatives may disagree and a judge decides among them. This is the single most common reason young parents finally sit down and write a will.
What a will does not cover
Assets with a named beneficiary (life insurance, retirement accounts, payable-on-death bank accounts) pass outside the will to whoever is named. Property owned jointly with right of survivorship goes to the surviving owner. Part of drafting a good will is making sure those designations match the plan, so nothing ends up going to an ex-spouse by accident.
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Wills questions
Can I write my own will?
You can, and Alaska will honor a handwritten will that meets the requirements. The risk is that a small mistake, an ambiguous phrase, or a missed asset creates a dispute after you are gone. Having a lawyer draft it is not expensive compared to what a contested probate costs.
Does my will need to be notarized?
Notarization is not required for validity, but a notarized self-proving affidavit lets the court accept the will without tracking down the witnesses. Kaden includes one with every will.
Where should I keep my will?
Somewhere safe that your personal representative can access. A fireproof box at home, with a copy in Kaden's file, is a common approach. Tell the people who need to know where it is.
Where we help with wills
Kaden handles wills matters for clients in Wasilla, Palmer, Anchorage, and the Mat-Su Valley. See all estate planning services.