State requirements
Making a will in Alaska
Alaska requires 2 adult witnesses, recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills, and offers a self-proving affidavit that speeds up probate. Every rule below is drawn from the statute.
Witnesses
2 adults
Notarization
Optional (affidavit)
Holographic wills
Recognized
Self-proving affidavit
Available
Overview
Alaska adopted the Uniform Probate Code (UPC). Alaska recognizes holographic wills. Alaska is unique in allowing couples to opt-in to community property through community property trusts.
Key Statutes
| Statute | Citation | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Testamentary Capacity | AS § 13.12.501 | 18+ and of sound mind |
| Execution Requirements | AS § 13.12.502 | Written, signed, 2 witnesses |
| Holographic Wills | AS § 13.12.502 | Material portions handwritten |
| Self-Proving | AS § 13.12.504 | Available with affidavit |
| Elective Share | AS § 13.12.202 | Based on marriage length |
| Community Property Trust | AS § 34.77 | Opt-in community property |
Execution Requirements
ALASKA WILL REQUIREMENTS (UPC):
✓ In writing
✓ Signed by testator
✓ Signed by 2 or more witnesses within reasonable time
HOLOGRAPHIC WILLS:
✓ Material portions in testator's handwriting
✓ Signed by testator
✓ NO witnesses required
Opt-In Community Property
ALASKA COMMUNITY PROPERTY TRUST:
- Alaska allows opt-in community property
- Couples can create community property trust
- Provides step-up in basis for both halves at first death
- Does NOT automatically apply - must opt in
Elective Share
ALASKA ELECTIVE SHARE (UPC):
- Based on length of marriage
- Up to 50% of augmented estate for 15+ year marriages
- Includes probate and non-probate transfers
Alaska Tax Benefits
ALASKA TAX BENEFITS:
- NO state income tax
- NO state estate tax
- NO state inheritance tax
- Popular for asset protection trusts
Checklist for Alaska Wills
- •[ ] Testator is 18+ and of sound mind
- •[ ] Will is written
- •[ ] Testator signed
- •[ ] 2 witnesses signed within reasonable time
- •[ ] Self-proving affidavit completed
- •[ ] OR: Holographic will with material portions handwritten
- •[ ] Consider community property trust if married
Alaska will questions, answered
Can I make a will online in Alaska?
Yes. Alaska does not require a lawyer to draft a will. A will created online is valid in Alaska when it is properly executed — in writing, signed by a testator aged 18+ of sound mind, and witnessed by 2 adult witnesses.
How many witnesses does a will need in Alaska?
Alaska requires 2 adult witnesses. Witnesses should not be beneficiaries — an interested witness can jeopardize their gift or invite a contest.
Does Alaska require a will to be notarized?
No. Witnesses make a will valid in Alaska, not a notary. A notary is used for the optional self-proving affidavit, which lets the probate court accept the will without contacting your witnesses.
Are handwritten (holographic) wills valid in Alaska?
Yes, Alaska recognizes holographic wills under specific conditions. They are riskier than witnessed wills — harder to probate and easier to contest — so a witnessed will remains the safer choice.
What makes a will legally valid in Alaska?
A valid Alaska will is in writing, made by a person aged 18+ of sound mind, signed by the testator, and attested by 2 adult witnesses. Note: Alaska allows opt-in community property through community property trusts.
Keep reading
All guides →A Alaska will, witnessed-ready tonight.
The interview asks the right questions, five AI agents review the draft, and your document arrives with Alaska's exact signing steps.
Start my will — $29This page is general information about Alaska law, not legal advice. Statutes change — verify current requirements or consult a licensed Alaska attorney for complex situations.