Document end-of-life preferences in Alaska: Alaska Living Will
What is an Alaska Living Will?
An Alaska Living Will is a legal document that sets forth your wishes regarding health care, such as your acceptance or refusal of a specific medical treatment or procedure, in addition to the (optional) naming of a chosen decision maker.
The person making a Living Will is known as the "principal," while the individual or organization gaining authority to carry out the principal's wishes is known as the "agent." Suitable for residents of Alaska, this Living Will is made for use in Fairbanks North Star County, Anchorage County, Matanuska-Susitna County, and in all other counties and municipalities throughout the state. Each Alaska Living Will form from Rocket Lawyer can be edited to address your unique scenario. As a result of this essential legal document, your medical institutions will have a record of your decisions, and your representative will be able to provide confirmation that they have been given the authority to act in your interest.
When to use an Alaska Living Will:
- You have a preference about end of life care, and want to make your wishes known.
- You want to be prepared in case you're incapacitated and important medical decisions are being made.
How do I get my Alaska Living Will reviewed?
If you already have an Alaska Living Will and want to have it reviewed, or if you have questions about creating or using one, there are a few ways to get help.
Use Rocket Copilot to ask questions or review your document; this helps you better understand what it says and identify anything that may need a closer look.
If you are looking for help from a Legal Pro, you can also ask a question and receive a response within one business day, or request a more in-depth document review.
Alaska Living Will FAQs
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How do I write a Living Will in Alaska?
It is fast and easy to set forth your medical wishes with a free Alaska Living Will template from Rocket Lawyer:
- Make the document - Provide a few simple details, and we will do the rest
- Send or share - Go over it with your healthcare agent or ask a Legal Pro
- Sign it and make it legal - Required or not, notarization/witnesses are recommended
This solution will often be much more affordable and convenient than meeting and hiring a conventional law firm. If necessary, you can prepare a Living Will on behalf of an elderly parent, a spouse, or another family member, and then have that person sign when ready. Keep in mind that for a Living Will to be legally valid, the principal must be a mentally competent adult when they sign. In the event that the principal is already unable to make their own decisions, a court-appointed conservatorship may be required. When dealing with such a situation, it would be a good idea for you to connect with an Legal Pro.
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Do I need to make a Living Will?
Anyone who is over 18 ought to have a Living Will in place. While it's challenging to acknowledge, there could come a time when you are no longer able to make healthcare decisions on your own. Here are some typical situations in which it may be useful to make or update your Living Will:
- You expect to be hospitalized for a medical procedure
- You are getting older or have declining health
- You are currently managing a terminal illness
- You intend to live in an adult care facility
Whether your Alaska Living Will is being produced in response to a change in your health or as part of a long-term plan, notarization and witnesses are highly encouraged as a best practice for protecting this document and your agent if anyone doubts their privileges.
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Do I need a lawyer for my Living Will in Alaska?
It’s a good idea to have important documents like your Alaska Living Will reviewed before signing, so you fully understand your choices and help avoid unintended outcomes. The problem is that some attorneys may not review documents they didn’t prepare, while others may require a retainer or high hourly fees. This can make getting a legal review of your Alaska Living Willdifficult and time-consuming.
Rocket Lawyer makes the process easier. With Rocket Lawyer, you can request a review from a Legal Pro or ask questions about your document. You can also use Rocket Copilot to review your document, identify potential issues, and check that everything is complete before signing.
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How much might I traditionally need to pay to make a Living Will in Alaska?
Attorney fees for drafting or reviewing an Alaska Living Will can vary widely. Many lawyers charge hourly rates that may range from around $100 for less experienced attorneys to $350 or more per hour for highly experienced attorneys in major metropolitan areas. For more routine documents, some attorneys may offer flat-fee pricing.
The total cost will depend on several factors, including your location, the attorney’s experience, and the complexity of your agreement. More documents or situations involving negotiation will typically require more time and increase the overall cost.
With Rocket Lawyer, you can create a personalized Alaska Living Will tailored to your specific needs—without the high cost typically associated with hiring a lawyer. If you have questions or want additional peace of mind, you can also get your document reviewed or ask a Legal Pro for guidance.
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Does a Living Will need to be notarized or witnessed in Alaska?
The specific requirements and restrictions governing Living Wills will vary by state; however, in Alaska, your Living Will must be signed by two witnesses or notarized. Your witnesses should not be your healthcare provider or any employee of the institution or facility where you are receiving care. Only one witness can be someone who is an heir/beneficiary or who is otherwise legally related to you (such as a spouse or family member.) As a general rule, your witnesses will need to be at least 18 years old, and none should also be acting as your healthcare agent.
