When most people think about estate planning, they think about a will. A will is a document that declares how a person's property should be distributed after they die. In Alaska, there are a few things that you should know about wills. First, Alaska is a community property state. This means that, unless a will specifically says otherwise, any property acquired during a marriage is jointly owned by the husband and wife. This includes property that is acquired before the marriage, as well as property that is acquired during the marriage. Second, Alaska allows for the creation of a trust. A trust is a document that allows a person to appoint someone to manage their property after they die. This can be a helpful tool for people who want to ensure that their property is distributed in a specific way. Finally, Alaska allows for the creation of an estate plan that is tailored to the specific needs of the person creating it. For example, a person might choose to create a trust to manage their property, or they might choose to give specific property to specific people. No matter what your needs are, Alaska has a will and estate planning option that can help you meet them.
Alaska Last Will Facts
Alaska particulars are present to promise that crafting your final will and testament is a legit and smooth procedure. Supposing these state requirements are adhered to, you can rest assured that your final will isn’t void in case it is debated. What dictums does Alaska need to craft a will? The first directive is that Alaska will be prepared readily. If it is detected the final will and testament was created by way of arm-twisting, it might be opposed and found null and void. Additionally, the judgment of the testator must be definite. Incapacitated or dosed-up people should not write a will. More so, the testator must have a perception of their action. It is evident that the person is driven in concluding the drafting. Such a declaration is generally mentioned at the onset of the last will. Here are other essential details necessary when formulating an Alaska testament:
Age of testator - 18 and older (Sec. 13.12.501. Who may make a will).
Age of witnesses - 18 and older (Sec. 13.12.505. Who may witness).
Types of will allowed - self-proving wills (Sec. 13.12.504. Self-proved will); handwritten and holographic wills (if witnessed properly) (Sec. 13.12.502. Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills).
Types of will not allowed - oral (Sec. 13.12.502. Execution; witnessed wills; holographic wills).
What If I Die Without a Will in Alaska?
All the usefulness of the last will notwithstanding, many individuals still fail to grasp its substance and pass away intestate. A state of intestacy denotes circumstances where one expires devoid of a valid last will and testament. When this arises, the inheritance is distributed in line with the state’s intestacy regulations. The local probate court will then name a guardian for the inheritance and take charge of the property distribution. Note that, the expired person’s possessions sharing rests on if they are married or not, and their dependents.
As a married person who passes away intestate in Alaska, which does not rate as a community property state, the surviving spouse acquires all the intestate possessions. Here, the existent marriage partner inherits the entire intestate investments. The same case if you and your marital companion begot offspring. Assuming you got offspring but the mate is deceased? By chance your companion died leaving behind children, the estate is allocated to them. When no heirs or wife/husband are alive, the parents are the stipulated inheritors. Where the mother and father, mate, or children are absent, siblings, nephews, and nieces receive the belongings. The furthest in the line of consideration are grandparents, uncles, aunts, and distant kindred.
In scenarios where there is no one to lay claim to the effects (including children, spouses, and relatives), they become state property.
What Should My Will Include?
After noting the advantages and provisos of Alaska's final wills, we should reflect upon the top aspects of the testament. As the testator, the information below should be incorporated in the last will:
Testator’s Details
Supposing you utilize the Alaska testament template, the intent is already written therein. Remember to note whether you are in a marital union or unattached, in addition to the number of heirs.
Beneficiaries Information
Included in the crucial aspects of preparing your last will and testament is selecting the heirs in addition to what they will be allocated. Write the official name of each beneficiary, plus where they reside and what they will get.
Appointment of Executor
Another vital act is designating the administrator of the last will. This individual is also referred to as a personal representative and their responsibility is to certify the last will is obeyed without deviation. The steward is a serious office, meaning only a sound person should be selected. The only regulation is that they cannot be successors of the property.
Appointment of Guardians
Say you have old parents, pets, or offspring, selecting a trustee is a wise move. The task of the custodian would be to certify that these inheritors receive what is due to them. You can designate a stand-in custodian for when the earlier one is not available.
Witnesses
The personal particulars and home addresses of the witnesses are needed. And record their legal names and home addresses where asked to.
Execution Details
The will should record the day’s date and setting of signing. You and the witnesses are supposed to put their signatures on the date.
Other Details
An Alaska final will and testament can specify the burial process, the digital caretaker, and any unique wishes from the testator. In conclusion, a will is a crucial legal technique to guarantee a smooth transition.
