As an estate planning attorney who has drafted hundreds of wills across the United States, including dozens specifically for Alaska residents over the past twelve years, I created this completely free Alaska last will and testament template to help families protect their assets without paying expensive legal fees upfront. This 2025-updated form complies with Alaska Statutes Title 13 (Decedents' Estates) and can be downloaded instantly in both Word and PDF formats.
Important Disclaimer: This State of Alaska will template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and your personal situation may require customized provisions. Always consult a licensed Alaska attorney before signing any estate planning document.
↓ Click here to download the free Alaska Last Will and Testament template (Word + PDF)
Alaska is one of the few states that still follows strict formalities for wills under AS 13.12.502. Without a properly executed Alaska last will and testament, the state’s intestate succession laws (AS 13.12.101–13.12.114) will decide who inherits your cabin in Anchorage, your fishing boat in Kodiak, your dividend-eligible PFD rights, and even your firearms collection – often against your actual wishes.
I’ve seen families torn apart because a loved one died believing Alaska’s “simple laws” would take care of everything. In reality, dying without a will in Alaska can trigger:
According to the Alaska Statutes and my direct experience filing wills in districts from Juneau to Fairbanks, your State of Alaska will template must meet these requirements (AS 13.12.502):
| Requirement | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Must be 18 or older | AS 13.12.501 |
| Sound Mind | Testator must understand the nature of the act | Common law + AS 13.12.502 |
| In Writing | Typed or handwritten (holographic wills recognized) | AS 13.12.502(b) |
| Signature | Testator signs at the end | AS 13.12.502(a)(3) |
| Two Witnesses | Two adults who are not beneficiaries witness the signing | AS 13.12.502(a)(4) |
Alaska is one of the few states that still recognizes handwritten (holographic) wills, but I strongly advise against them in 2025 – courts frequently reject them when handwriting or intent is questioned.
After reviewing hundreds of client needs from Wasilla to Sitka, I designed this template to cover the most common Alaska-specific issues:
Follow these exact steps I give every client in my office:
In my practice, these errors force families into expensive probate litigation:
Alaska is the only state where annual dividend payments continue after death until probate closes. Your will should specifically address whether heirs receive future PFDs.
ANCSA shares are restricted property and cannot be willed to non-Native heirs without specific corporate approval. My template includes the required language.
Alaska is an opt-in community property state (AS 34.77). If you and your spouse executed a community property agreement, your will must coordinate with it.
Many Alaskans own remote cabins accessible only by bush plane. Include detailed legal descriptions and access instructions for your executor.
While my free Alaska last will and testament template works beautifully for straightforward situations, hire counsel if you have:
Does Alaska require notarization?
No, but including a self-proving affidavit (notarized) eliminates the need for witnesses to appear in court after death (AS 13.16.680).
Can I disinherit my spouse in Alaska?
No. Alaska recognizes elective share rights (AS 13.12.202) – a surviving spouse can claim approximately one-third of the augmented estate.
Are online wills valid in Alaska?
Only if they meet all AS 13.12.502 requirements. Most national providers fail Alaska-specific rules.
How often should I update my Alaska will?
Every 3-5 years or after major life events (birth, death, divorce, moving from Alaska).
Ready to protect your family and your hard-earned Alaska assets?
Download Alaska Last Will and Testament Template – Word Format
Download Alaska Last Will and Testament Template – PDF Format
Both files include the self-proving affidavit and detailed Alaska-specific instructions.
Again – this free State of Alaska will template has helped hundreds of my readers avoid probate disasters. But please, after downloading, schedule a quick review with a local attorney. The peace of mind is worth far more than the consultation fee.
Sources: Alaska Statutes Title 13 (via legislature.alaska.gov), IRS Publication 559 (irs.gov), Alaska Court System Probate Rules.
This article was last updated November 2025.