Living Will in Alaska
State-specific overview · Estate & Probate
Alaska recognizes living wills and allows oral declarations; written documents require one witness.
How Alaska treats Living Will
Alaska permits living wills under its advance directive law and uniquely allows you to make an oral declaration of your end-of-life wishes to a physician, which the physician must document in your medical record. If you choose a written living will, you need only one witness (plus your signature), making it simpler than many states. Alaska also allows you to name a healthcare representative to carry out your wishes. Your living will becomes effective when your physician determines you lack capacity to make medical decisions.
The general definition of Living Will
A document stating your wishes about life-sustaining medical treatment if you become unable to communicate.
A living will (also called an advance directive) is a written statement of your medical preferences if you're ever in a coma, terminal illness, or unable to speak for yourself. You can specify whether you want life support, feeding tubes, or resuscitation. Doctors and family members use it to make decisions that honor your values when you cannot.
Read the full Living Will entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.