Estate Planning Attorney for Alaskan Residents

Estate Planning

The term “Estate planning” actually includes two parts:

•  lifetime planning and
• planning for your eventual passing

A good Estate Plan establishes the “who, how, when, where, and why” if you become incapable of making your own decisions or when you die.

The Lifetime Planning part of the process ensures that all those things you worked so hard to save for your family actually go to your family—not to the government through inheritance taxes, the cost of long-term care, or by regulation.

Planning for your eventual passing gives you the opportunity to express your wishes surrounding everything from end-of-life care to who will get your assets, to planning your own funeral. Your plan can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. The important thing is that your end-of-life plan be personal, as unique and creative as you are. Think of it as a final gift to those who are most important to you. 

We strongly recommend that you don’t go it alone when creating an estate plan. There are too many pitfalls. And hiring the right estate planning attorney is extremely important. When we talk about hiring an estate planning attorney for Alaskans, we strongly recommend seeking out someone who knows our state laws and the ins and outs of our court system. 

Estate Planning Is for Everyone

Too many people hear the word “estate” and assume that only the very rich should have an estate plan drawn up. Not only is that wrong, it can be costly. Everyone should have an estate plan, no matter their age, general health or assets. Assumptions can lead to unforeseen consequences, such as state rules that do not work in your favor.

Example: Most people think that if they end up in the hospital, their mom or dad, husband or wife will automatically have the authority to make medical decisions for them. This is not true. You need to sign a power of attorney and an Alaska Advance Health Care Directive in order to give someone else the authority to speak for you in the event that you are ever injured, ill, or can’t speak for yourself during the most vulnerable moments of your life. It is critical that you don’t leave your care in the hands of strangers who know nothing about you.

Estate Planning attorney for Alaskan residents: Why You Need One

You might also be surprised to learn that every state in the U.S. has its own unique rules and regulations defining how families and individuals plan for the future needs of those most important to them.

Alaska estate planning law differs from the rules in, say, Illinois, or Florida. Those rules change from time to time—some of them change every year – so don’t assume you know the rules.

If you recently moved to Alaska – or spend time each year living in another state—we encourage you to seek an estate planning attorney for Alaskan residents. A pre-existing will drawn up in a different state may or may not be valid in Alaska. It’s always best to know exactly where you stand legally and take steps to address any potential future problems.

When You Need An Estate Planning Attorney for Alaskans, Call AkWills & Trusts

Constance A. Aschenbrenner, our founder, has practiced in Alaska since 1996 in a variety of capacities, including private, corporate, and state practice. She established the Law Office of Constance A. Aschenbrenner in July, 2008. She is passionate about serving the people of the rugged and beautiful state and takes great satisfaction in helping Alaskans and their families thrive.

When you need an estate planning attorney, not just anyone will do. You need an estate planning attorney for Alaskans who understands our laws and can guide you through the process.  

At the Law Office of Constance A. Aschenbrenner, we are on a mission to strengthen the future of Alaska residents—one client at a time. And we do it by representing each client and their interests with knowledge and integrity.