How to Make a Valid Will in Alaska
What Alaska law requires for a valid will: age, signing, witnesses, handwritten wills and self-proving affidavits.
Short answer: Anyone 18 or older who is of sound mind may make a will. A witnessed will must be in writing, signed by the will-maker (or by another person in the will-maker's name, in their conscious presence and at their direction), and signed by at least two witnesses, each signing within a… AS 13.12.501, 13.12.502
| Requirements for a valid will | Anyone 18 or older who is of sound mind may make a will. A witnessed will must be in writing, signed by the will-maker (or by another person in the will-maker's name, in their conscious presence and at their direction), and signed by at least two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the will-maker's acknowledgment of the signature or the will. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 13.12.501, 13.12.502 |
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| Handwritten (holographic) wills | Yes. A will that does not meet the witness rules is valid as a holographic will, witnessed or not, if the signature and the material portions of the document are in the will-maker's handwriting. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 13.12.502(b) |
| Self-proving affidavit | Yes. A will can be made self-proved when it is signed, or at a later time, by the will-maker's acknowledgment and the witnesses' affidavits before a notary or other officer authorized to give oaths. The statute gives the certificate wording. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 13.12.504 |
More Alaska estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in Alaska
- Small Estate Affidavit in Alaska
- Power of Attorney in Alaska
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Alaska
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Alaska
- How Probate Works in Alaska
- Living Wills and Advance Directives in Alaska
- Revocable Living Trusts in Alaska
- Executor Duties in Alaska
- Letters Testamentary in Alaska
- Affidavit of Heirship in Alaska
- How to Avoid Probate in Alaska
- Transferring a Car After Someone Dies in Alaska
- All Alaska wills, probate and estate rules
FAQ
What makes a will valid in Alaska?
Anyone 18 or older who is of sound mind may make a will. A witnessed will must be in writing, signed by the will-maker (or by another person in the will-maker's name, in their conscious presence and at their direction), and signed by at least two witnesses, each signing within a reasonable time after seeing the signing or the will-maker's acknowledgment of the signature or the will.
Is a handwritten will valid in Alaska?
Yes. A will that does not meet the witness rules is valid as a holographic will, witnessed or not, if the signature and the material portions of the document are in the will-maker's handwriting.
Does a will need to be notarized in Alaska?
Yes. A will can be made self-proved when it is signed, or at a later time, by the will-maker's acknowledgment and the witnesses' affidavits before a notary or other officer authorized to give oaths. The statute gives the certificate wording.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.