Trusts for Families with Adult and Minor Children in Anchorage & Wasilla

Estate planning is essential for every family—whether you're single or married, with or without children, or part of a blended family. At Denali Law Group, our goal is to ensure your loved ones are cared for if you become incapacitated or pass away, and that your wishes are honored every step of the way.

As a trusted estate planning attorney in Wasilla, proudly serving clients across Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley, we help you build a plan that reflects your values and safeguards your legacy. Our team can assist with:

Protecting your family from the emotional and financial burden of probate
Minimizing federal estate taxes
Appointing trusted agents to manage finances and healthcare decisions
Creating a Kids Protection Plan® to ensure your children are always in the right hands
Supporting charitable causes you care about
Providing long-term peace of mind with plans that grow as your life evolves

Whether you're searching for the best estate planning attorney near me or need guidance for protecting a complex family structure, we're here to be your Lawyers for Life—offering compassionate, personalized support when you need it most.

Contact Denali Law Group Today

We'll always represent your best interests.

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Asset Protection Trusts with a Strategic Estate Planning Attorney in Wasilla, AK

Nobody expects to be sued. Just ask the 20 million people involved in lawsuits last year.

Divorce, inheritance disputes, health issues, creditors, employees, theft, market shifts, malpractice claims, harassment allegations, natural disasters, and business partner conflicts are just a few of the issues that can lead to devastating lawsuits—especially for business owners and professionals. Ironically, the people most at risk are often those who believe they're immune.

The more success you have—particularly in business, professional practice, or real estate—the more visible you are, and the more likely others may target that success.

Here are a few common situations that may carry more legal or financial risk than most people realize:

Signing loan documents, personal guarantees, or leases
Owning rental properties or employing staff
Working in law, medicine, construction, or consulting
Getting married with separate assets or children from a previous relationship

These are meaningful life decisions—steps we fully support. With the right legal safeguards in place, you can move forward confidently while protecting your assets, loved ones, and long-term goals.

That's where we come in.

At Denali Law Group, our experienced estate planning attorneys in Wasilla and serving Anchorage help you take bold steps with confidence. We design layered asset protection plans so you can embrace opportunity without unnecessary exposure.

Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

Strategic use of trusts (revocable, irrevocable, or asset protection-focused)
Prenuptial agreements
Insurance reviews
Asset segregation strategies
LLCs, partnerships, or corporations
Gifting or jurisdictional planning

Each plan is customized to fit your goals. As a trusted choice for those seeking an estate planning attorney near me, we're here to ensure your success is protected—today and in the future.

Comprehensive Estate Planning Services

Real Property

Depending on your circumstances, we will transfer your real property to specific people, or to your Trust. We will prepare and record the necessary deeds to ensure your estate plan captures your wishes.

Powers of Attorney

We help you select the right agents to act as your power of attorney. These agents will manage your financial affairs in the event of your incapacity, or even when you are alive and well, but need the convenience of an agent to act for you.

Advance Health Care Directives

We help you select the right agents to act as your health care agents. These agents will make decisions regarding your health and end-of-life requests, and make decisions for your body and burial after your death.

Legal Guardianship Planning for Parents

Nearly 70% of parents haven't named legal guardians for their children—a critical step in any estate plan. Regardless of your income or assets, designating guardians ensures your children will be raised by someone you trust, not left to a court's decision.

At Denali Law Group, our estate planning attorneys in Wasilla and serving Anchorage help parents take this important first step with clarity and confidence. We'll guide you through naming long-term guardians who reflect your values and parenting wishes—so you never leave the future of your children up to chance. We understand the concerns parents have about their children's future and work diligently to address them.

If something unexpected were to happen, the court may decide who cares for your children. While there may be no perfect choice, there is always a better option than letting that decision fall into the hands of a judge. Protecting your children through legal guardianship planning is essential to ensure their well-being and security.

Learn more about our Kids Protection Plan® and how we help families safeguard what matters most.

Click here for a link to our Kids Protection Page.

Responsible parents protect their children, and that means you must think about the unthinkable.

FAQs - Estate Planning Services in Alaska

What Constitutes a Comprehensive Estate Plan in Alaska?

A comprehensive estate plan in Alaska typically includes three key documents: a will, a durable power of attorney for finances, and an advance healthcare directive. These tools ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes, your finances are managed during incapacity, and your medical preferences are honored.

Many Alaskans also choose to include revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, or charitable remainder trusts to avoid probate, reduce taxes, and provide long-term asset management for beneficiaries. Creating irrevocable trusts as part of a solid estate plan can ensure financial security for your beneficiaries and address specific legal responsibilities within trust administration.

A trusted estate planning attorney in Wasilla or Anchorage can help tailor your plan to your goals. Having a solid plan is crucial for long-term financial security and peace of mind.

Why Is a Will Essential Even for Smaller Estates?

A will ensures your property is distributed based on your specific instructions—not default state laws. Without one, Alaska's intestacy laws determine how your assets are divided, often prioritizing spouses and children by set formulas.

For blended families or parents of minor children, a will also allows you to name guardians and trustees—preventing courts from making those critical decisions for you. If you are interested in estate planning, contact our firm for personalized assistance.

How Do Trusts Differ From Wills in Alaska?

Wills only take effect after death, while trusts can manage your assets both during your lifetime and afterward. Trusts are a powerful tool to avoid Alaska's probate process, which can be time-consuming and costly.

For example, a "Give It Twice" trust (a type of charitable remainder trust) provides income to loved ones for a set time before distributing the remainder to a chosen charity—balancing family support with charitable giving. This approach is especially popular among single individuals and surviving spouses.

What Does the Probate Process Entail in Alaska?

Probate is the legal process of settling an estate after someone passes away. It involves validating a will, appointing an executor, paying off debts, and distributing assets.

If no will exists, the court uses Alaska's intestate succession laws, which prioritize close relatives. Smaller estates (under $50,000) may qualify for a simplified affidavit process, but larger or more complex estates often require formal court proceedings.

How Can Alaskans Reduce Estate and Gift Taxes?

Although Alaska doesn't impose a state-level estate tax, federal estate taxes apply to estates over $13.61 million (as of 2024). High-net-worth individuals can reduce taxes using strategies like:

- Annual tax-free gifts (up to $18,000 per recipient)
- Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs)
- Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs)
- Charitable remainder trusts, which also offer income tax deductions and asset protection

Working with an experienced estate planning attorney near you ensures these tools are used effectively.

What Qualifications Should Clients Look For in an Estate Planning Attorney?

Clients should look for attorneys with extensive experience in Alaska estate planning, especially in handling wills, trusts, and tax strategies. At Denali Law Group, our attorneys have decades of combined experience helping individuals and families with:

- Tax-efficient plans for high-net-worth estates
- Complex family structures like blended families and minor dependents
- Compliance with Alaska-specific laws

Certifications in estate planning or elder law and strong client reviews are also good indicators of a qualified attorney.

How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in Alaska?

Estate planning costs depend on the complexity of your plan. Simple wills may cost between $300 and $1,500, while more comprehensive plans involving trusts and tax planning can exceed $5,000.

Some firms offer flat fees for standard services, while more complex or contested matters may be billed hourly (typically $200--$400/hour). At Denali Law Group, we provide transparent pricing and a tailored approach to meet your specific needs. Visiting our office in Wasilla allows us to offer personalized estate planning services, ensuring that all your legal documents are managed effectively.