Alaska Living Wills, made easy

A living will is essential for any adult, regardless of age or health status, who wants to ensure their medical care preferences are followed in case they become incapacitated and unable to communicate their wishes. It provides clear instructions to healthcare providers and family members, helping to avoid disagreements and confusion during critical situations.

The terms can be confusing, but the documents are very different. A living will focuses on medical preferences and end-of-life care, outlining your wishes for treatment if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate. On the other hand, a last will & testament deals with the distribution of your assets and property after your death, as well as appointing guardians for minor children if necessary.

In Alaska, a living will is also known as an "Advance Health Care Directive."

In Alaska, your agent is called a "Health Care Agent" or "Health Care Decision Maker."

Alaska law states that an advance health care directive or living will shall have no force or effect during the patient's pregnancy, as long as the health care provider believes the fetus could develop to viability with continued life-sustaining treatment.

Pregnant women in Alaska should be aware that their living will may not be effective during their pregnancy and should communicate their preferences with their healthcare agent, family, and healthcare providers.

In Alaska, a living will does not affect the validity of a life insurance policy. A living will is a document outlining healthcare preferences, while life insurance is a financial product benefiting designated beneficiaries.