Powers of Attorney & Health Care Directives in Alaska
Make the Important Decision to Plan for the Unexpected
What would happen if you were in an accident tomorrow and unable to speak for yourself? Who would manage your finances or make medical decisions on your behalf? Would your family agree on what to do?
Without the right documents in place, even close family members may not have the legal authority to act. Financial institutions and hospitals require proper documentation to accept decisions made by someone else. Without it, your loved ones may need to seek court-appointed guardianship or conservatorship, adding delays, stress, and financial cost during an already difficult time.
At Foley Pearson Riekkola Iverson, we help clients across Alaska create legally valid Powers of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directives—so that if something does happen, the right people can act with clarity and purpose.
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone else (your Agent) the authority to act on your behalf. In Alaska, this typically includes:
- Managing bank accounts or retirement assets
- Paying bills or handling tax matters
- Buying or selling real estate
- Signing contracts or legal documents
We can prepare durable financial Powers of Attorney that remain valid even if you become incapacitated, meaning your agent can act without interruption when it matters most, or Powers of Attorney that are triggered by your incapacity, or last for a defined period of time, depending on your needs and circumstances. We tailor every POA to your specific circumstances.
What Is an Advance Health Care Directive?
An Advance Health Care Directive (also known as a ”Medical Power of Attorney” or “Living Will”) allows you to:
- Name someone to make health care decisions for you if you cannot
- Specify your preferences regarding life-sustaining treatment
- Indicate your wishes about resuscitation, feeding tubes, organ donation, and other care
Alaska permits adults to use a written directive to guide both family and physicians during medical emergencies or periods of incapacity. Without one, health care providers may look to next of kin, but that process can lead to delays, disagreements, or outcomes that may not reflect your true wishes.
We help ensure your directive meets Alaska’s statutory requirements, is clearly written, and can be relied upon when needed.
Why These Documents Matter—Even If You’re Young or Healthy
Many people assume these documents are only for the elderly, but incapacity can happen to anyone. Unexpected illnesses, injuries, or surgeries can trigger the need for immediate decision-making, especially in rural areas where access to specialized care or legal services may be limited.
Without a valid POA or Advance Health Care Directive, your family may have to petition the Alaska Superior Court for guardianship or conservatorship—a formal legal process that is often time-consuming, expensive, and emotionally draining.
Even if someone is eventually appointed, their powers may be limited, and they may not be the person you would have chosen.
Why Work with Foley Pearson Riekkola Iverson?
These documents can be easy to get wrong, and are very important to get right. We help you:
- Appoint agents you trust, with backup options clearly named
- Ensure your documents meet Alaska legal standards for durability and enforcement
- Coordinate POAs and directives with your broader estate plan
- Make sure banks, hospitals, and other institutions will recognize and accept them
- Provide ongoing digital access documents and proactive updates for clients with Trust-based plans on our Generations program
We walk through real-life scenarios to make sure we understand and properly document your wishes—and that the people you trust can act without delay or confusion.
Start Planning for Now and Far in the Future With our Experienced Estate Planning Attorneys
Estate planning is not just about what happens after you pass—it is about making sure your affairs are protected while you are alive. At Foley Pearson Riekkola Iverson, we help clients across Alaska prepare Powers of Attorney and Advance Health Care Directives as part of a comprehensive, practical estate plan.
Join one of our online workshops to learn more about what these documents do and why they matter.
Working With Foley Pearson Riekkola Iverson, P.C.
We recommend that anyone beginning the estate planning process start by attending one of our free, lawyer-led workshops. It’s a practical introduction to the process, the key concepts, and how our firm approaches planning. You’ll gain the knowledge you need now—so you can ask the right questions later.
After the workshop, the next step is to complete our intake forms. This helps us understand your goals, your family dynamics, and the assets you want to protect. With the full picture in hand, we can craft a plan that’s tailored to you.
Once we have reviewed the information you provide, you will meet with an attorney to design your estate plan. The attorney will guide you through your options, answer any questions, and help identify the best structure for your goals—whether that involves a Will, a Trust, or a combination of planning tools.
After your documents are signed, we assist with funding your Trust and transferring key assets into it. Then you have the option to enroll in our Generations, which provides ongoing support to help you maintain and update your plan over time, so it continues to reflect your wishes and functions as intended when it matters most.
Do You Need a Will or Trust?
Whether you are just beginning to think about planning for your estate, need to update your existing documents, or have questions after the loss of a loved one, we are here to help.
Are You Unsure About What You Need?
Whether you are just beginning to think about planning for your estate, need to update your existing documents, or have questions after the loss of a loved one, we are here to help.
