Living trust requirements

Alaska

What you need to create a valid revocable living trust in Alaska.

Notarization

Recommended

Not legally required

Witnesses required

None

No witnesses needed

Community property

No

Online notary

Authorized

Since 2022

Execution requirements

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Notarization — Recommended only

No formal execution requirements beyond settlor signature; notarization strongly recommended when funding real property

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Witnesses — None required

Unlike wills, living trusts in Alaska do not require witnesses.

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Written and signed by settlor

The trust document must be in writing and signed by you (the settlor) while of sound mind and at least 18 years old.

Alaska-specific notes

•Married couples may opt into community property treatment through an Alaska Community Property Trust (Alaska Stat. §34.77.060)
•Alaska is not a general community property state, but this opt-in is available to any married couple, including non-residents
•An Alaska Community Property Trust must contain a specific statutory warning in capital letters at the beginning of the document (Alaska Stat. §34.77.100)

Funding the trust

Creating the trust document is only the first step. The trust only controls assets that have been formally transferred into it.

  • •Real estate: Execute a new deed in Alaska naming the trust as owner, then record it with the county
  • •Bank & brokerage accounts: Contact the institution to retitle the account to the trust
  • •Vehicles: Contact the Alaska DMV to transfer the title
  • •Life insurance & retirement accounts: Update beneficiary designations (these pass outside the trust)
Remote online notarization: Alaska authorized RON in 2022. You may be able to have your trust notarized via video conference through an approved RON provider.

This information is general in nature and not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed estate planning attorney in Alaska for guidance specific to your situation.

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