Wills & Trusts

Wills and Trusts in Alaska

Wills and trusts are the foundation of a strong estate plan. They determine who receives your assets, who makes decisions if you can’t, and how smoothly your family can move forward when something unexpected happens. At Bridgepoint Law, we help families throughout the entire Matanuska Valley, focusing primarily in Wasilla and Palmer. We create clear, legally sound wills and trust-based estate plans designed to avoid confusion, reduce court involvement, and protect what matters most. Every family is unique and each plan is tailored to meet the needs of each family. At Bridgepoint Law, we know life changes and that is why every plan includes a no cost three-year review to ensure you plan makes sense in every chapter of your life.

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Do You Need a Will, a Trust, or Both?

This is one of the most common questions we hear — and the answer depends on your goals. Wills and trusts are both tools for passing on assets, but they work very differently:

  • A Last Will and Testament takes effect after death and typically goes through probate
  • A Revocable Living Trust can operate during your lifetime and transfer assets without probate

For many Alaska families, a trust-based plan combined with a supporting will offers the most flexibility and protection. We help you understand your options and choose the right structure — without legal jargon or pressure.

Wills in Alaska: What They Do (and What They Don’t)

A will allows you to:


In Alaska, a will must meet specific legal requirements to be valid. Proper drafting ensures your wishes are clearly documented and enforceable.


It’s important to understand the limitation: a will alone usually means your estate must go through the probate process, which can be time-consuming and public.


As part of a trust-based plan, we often create a pour-over will, which directs any assets not already in your trust into it — ensuring nothing is left behind.

Living Trusts: A Powerful Planning Tool for Alaska Families

A revocable living trust allows you to place assets into a trust that you control during your lifetime. You continue to manage your property as usual, but the trust provides a clear plan for what happens if you become incapacitated or after death.


Benefits of a living trust may include:


  • Avoiding probate court

  • Maintaining privacy for your family

  • Seamless management if you become incapacitated

  • Faster, smoother transfer of assets

For many families, a trust also reduces the risk of disputes and delays during an already emotional time.

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Common Questions About Trusts and Wills

  • Will I lose control of my assets if I create a trust?

    No. In a revocable living trust, you typically serve as trustee and remain in full control while you’re alive and able.

  • Do I still need a will if I have a trust?

    Yes. A pour-over will works alongside your trust to capture any assets that weren’t transferred, providing an extra layer of protection.

  • Is a trust only for wealthy families?

    No. Trusts are about control, efficiency, and clarity — not just asset size. Many families with modest estates benefit from trust-based planning, especially families with minor children.

Planning for Real Life in the Matanuska Valley

We regularly help families plan for:

  • Homes, cabins, and Alaska property
  • Family businesses and succession planning
  • Blended families and second marriages
  • Incapacity planning and medical decisions

Our approach doesn’t stop at drafting documents. We guide you through funding your trust, updating beneficiary designations, and coordinating your plan so everything works together. Every plan includes a no cost three-year review, allowing us to review your plan as your life and the law changes.

Serving the Matanuska Valley

We work with individuals and families throughout Wasilla, Palmer, and the rest of the Matanuska Valley to prepare incapacity planning documents that reflect Alaska law and real-life needs. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing a time-sensitive situation, we can help you put the right protections in place.

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Ready to Put Your Wishes in Writing?

Putting a will or trust in place now can save your family months of stress later. You don’t need to know what documents you need before reaching out — we’ll help you figure that out.