❄️ How to Set Up a Trust in Alaska (2025 Guide)

In Alaska, trusts are not just for the ultra-wealthy — they’re for anyone who wants to avoid probate, protect their assets, and pass on their legacy smoothly.

This guide walks you through how to legally create a trust in Alaska without spending thousands of dollars on attorney fees.

🔍 What Is a Trust?

A trust is a legal arrangement where you (the grantor) place your assets into a legal container managed by a trustee, for the benefit of your beneficiaries.

The most popular type in Alaska is the Revocable Living Trust, which:

• Avoids probate court

• Keeps your estate private

• Lets you retain control while alive

• Transfers property automatically upon death

• Can plan for illness or incapacity

✅ Alaska law also allows strong asset protection options through certain irrevocable trusts and dynasty clauses.

📍 How to Set Up a Trust in Alaska

1. Choose the Right Trust Type

Start with a Revocable Living Trust, which is:

• Legal in Alaska

• Flexible while you’re alive

• Simple to update

• Fully compliant with Alaska Uniform Trust Code

Optional add-ons:
☐ Spendthrift Trust
☐ Minor’s Subtrust
☐ Special Needs Trust
☐ Dynasty/Legacy Trust

✅ TrustGenie lets you build all of these in one affordable plan.

2. Appoint Key Roles

☐ Grantor – You, the trust creator
☐ Trustee – Usually you, while alive
☐ Successor Trustee – Takes over if you die or become incapacitated
☐ Beneficiaries – Who will receive your assets

3. List and Organize Assets

Include:

• Alaska real estate

• Bank & brokerage accounts

• Businesses and LLCs

• Vehicles, personal valuables

• Digital assets (domains, crypto, etc.)

✅ TrustGenie provides a Schedule A + General Assignment form to help.

4. Sign & Notarize the Trust

• Alaska does not require witnesses

• But notarization is required for full validity

• Sign your trust properly and store it safely

✅ TrustGenie walks you through every step of signing and storage.

5. Fund the Trust

🚨 An unfunded trust = probate nightmare

☐ File a Quitclaim or Warranty Deed to move Alaska real estate into the trust
☐ Retitle financial accounts
☐ Assign personal property using General Assignment
☐ Update beneficiary forms on life insurance & retirement accounts

✅ TrustGenie includes sample deeds and funding instructions.

⚠️ Common Mistakes in Alaska

❌ Skipping the funding step
❌ Naming minors without a subtrust
❌ Using generic templates not designed for Alaska law
❌ Failing to plan for oil/gas/mineral rights
❌ Not telling your successor trustee where to find the documents

💵 How Much Does It Cost to Create a Trust in Alaska?

Method Typical Cost Attorney $2,000 – $7,000+Online Template $100 – $500 TrustGenie$150/year (all-inclusive) ✅

🧠 Do You Need a Lawyer to Create a Trust in Alaska?

No. You can create your own valid trust in Alaska as long as it:

• Is in writing

• Names a trustee and beneficiaries

• Is signed and notarized

• Is funded with assets

✅ TrustGenie meets all legal requirements affordably and clearly.

📥 Free Download: Alaska Trust Checklist

Want a printable version of the setup process?

📎 [Download the Alaska Trust Checklist] — coming next in this thread.

✅ Ready to Protect Your Legacy?

Thousands of Alaskans are using TrustGenie to pass on their homes, protect their children, and avoid probate court — without hiring a lawyer.

👉 [Create Your Alaska Trust – $150/year]

🔗 Related Articles

• [How to Avoid Probate in Alaska]

• [How to Transfer Your Home into a Trust]

• [What Happens If You Die Without a Trust in Alaska?]

✍️ Written by:
TrustGenie Legal Team
Helping Alaskan families protect their legacy with modern, affordable estate planning.