Power of Attorney in Alaska
What a Alaska power of attorney needs to be valid — signing, witnesses, notary — and the official forms, plus health care directives.
Short answer: Alaska has a statutory form power of attorney. A power of attorney signed in Alaska must be signed by the principal (or by another person at the principal's direction if the principal is physically unable to sign) and acknowledged before a notary or other authorized officer. AS 13.26.600, 13.26.645, 13.26.675
| Financial power of attorney | Alaska has a statutory form power of attorney. A power of attorney signed in Alaska must be signed by the principal (or by another person at the principal's direction if the principal is physically unable to sign) and acknowledged before a notary or other authorized officer. It survives the principal's incapacity only if it says so, for example that it 'shall not be affected by the subsequent incapacity of the principal,' or that it becomes effective on incapacity. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
|---|---|
| Health care directive | An adult may give health care instructions (orally or in writing) and may sign a durable power of attorney for health care. The power of attorney must be in writing, dated, signed, and either signed by two witnesses personally known to the person or acknowledged before a notary in Alaska. The agent and health care staff at the person's facility cannot be witnesses, and at least one witness must be neither a relative nor someone who would inherit. The agent's authority starts when the person is found to lack capacity unless the document says otherwise. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 13.52.010 |
| Official power of attorney forms | Alaska has a statutory form power of attorney for financial matters based on AS 13.26.600-965. The Alaska Court System's self-help center posts a Power of Attorney booklet and form (provided by Alaska Legal Services Corporation); you choose which powers (A-N) to grant and whether the power of attorney is durable, and it must be signed in front of a notary. Health care decisions are not covered by this form: a separate Alaska Advance Health Care Directive form (AS 13.52) is used to name a health care agent and give instructions, and the court's self-help page links to it as well. Self-help page with both forms: https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/family/poa.htm |
Official forms
- Statutory Form Power of Attorney (text in statute)
- Advance Health Care Directive optional form (text in statute, AS 13.52.300)
More Alaska estate law
- Medical Power of Attorney in Alaska
- Small Estate Affidavit in Alaska
- Quitclaim Deeds and Transferring Property in Alaska
- Who Inherits If You Die Without a Will in Alaska
- How to Make a Valid 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 are the requirements for a power of attorney in Alaska?
Alaska has a statutory form power of attorney. A power of attorney signed in Alaska must be signed by the principal (or by another person at the principal's direction if the principal is physically unable to sign) and acknowledged before a notary or other authorized officer. It survives the principal's incapacity only if it says so, for example that it 'shall not be affected by the subsequent incapacity of the principal,' or that it becomes effective on incapacity.
What are the requirements for a health care directive in Alaska?
An adult may give health care instructions (orally or in writing) and may sign a durable power of attorney for health care. The power of attorney must be in writing, dated, signed, and either signed by two witnesses personally known to the person or acknowledged before a notary in Alaska. The agent and health care staff at the person's facility cannot be witnesses, and at least one witness must be neither a relative nor someone who would inherit. The agent's authority starts when the person is found to lack capacity unless the document says otherwise.
Where can I get a power of attorney form in Alaska?
Alaska has a statutory form power of attorney for financial matters based on AS 13.26.600-965. The Alaska Court System's self-help center posts a Power of Attorney booklet and form (provided by Alaska Legal Services Corporation); you choose which powers (A-N) to grant and whether the power of attorney is durable, and it must be signed in front of a notary. Health care decisions are not covered by this form: a separate Alaska Advance Health Care Directive form (AS 13.52) is used to name a health care agent and give instructions, and the court's self-help page links to it as well.
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.