Alaska: Self-Proving Affidavit for Wills Requirements

Requirements one by one

Availability and governing law

Alaska's two self-proof routes are in AS 13.12.504. Subsection (a) combines
execution, attestation, and self-proof. Subsection (b) permits later self-proof of
an attested will. Sections 13.16.160 and 13.16.165 separate uncontested and
contested probate proof.

Who signs or swears

The testator and both witnesses are sworn and sign. The testator declares willing
personal execution or willing direction of another signer. Each witness declares
that the testator signed willingly and that the witness signed in the testator's
presence and hearing. The officer certifies the testator's subscription, oath, and
acknowledgment and the witnesses' subscriptions and oaths.

The later form uses the same three affiants. It does not supply replacement signers
after a death or loss of a witness.

When it may be made

Subsection (b) says an attested will may be self-proved “at any time after its
execution.” The statute sets no numerical deadline. Because the later form still
requires the testator and both witnesses, the route depends on all three remaining
available to complete it.

Officer, oath, and seal

The officer must be authorized to administer oaths under the law of the state where
the execution or later acknowledgment occurs. Both routes require a certificate,
officer signature, official capacity, and official seal. The seal appears in the
operative language and in each printed form.

Required recitals and form

The forms need only substantial compliance. The testator recites willing and free
personal or directed signing, age eighteen or older, sound mind, and no constraint
or undue influence. The witnesses swear that the testator signed willingly and that
each witness signed “in the presence and hearing of the testator.”

The form does not require the witnesses to sign in each other's presence or at the
testator's request. A ceremony may add those safeguards without making them Alaska's
statutory self-proof minimum.

Attachment to the will

The later officer certificate must be “attached or annexed to the will.” Section
13.16.165(b) uses the same attachment language when describing what must be filed to
obtain the probate presumptions.

Section 13.12.504(c) adds signature spillover: a signature on an attached
self-proving affidavit counts as a will signature when necessary to prove due
execution. The remaining execution requirements still apply.

Electronic, remote, and out-of-state rules

AS 13.12.504 does not create an electronic-will or remote-affidavit route. It does
allow an officer to act under the law of the state where the ceremony occurs, so the
affidavit need not be completed in Alaska.

AS 13.12.506 separately validates some wills executed under the law of another place
or a jurisdiction connected to the testator. Its text governs execution validity; it
does not separately say that foreign self-proof is recognized.

Probate effect and exceptions

Section 13.16.165(b) makes signature compliance conclusive when the will is
self-proved. Other execution requirements are presumed but remain subject to
rebuttal, without witness testimony after filing the will and attached
acknowledgment and affidavits.

Proof of fraud or forgery affecting the acknowledgment or affidavit defeats the
presumptions. Self-proof does not conclusively establish capacity or freedom from
undue influence.

If there is no affidavit

In an unopposed proceeding, § 13.16.160 says the affidavit or testimony of one
attesting witness is sufficient when execution evidence is necessary. If neither is
available, other evidence or another affidavit may prove execution.

In a contested case, § 13.16.165(a) ordinarily requires testimony from at least one
attesting witness who is in Alaska, competent, and able to testify. Due execution of
an attested or unattested will may also be proved by other evidence.

What trips people up

• The official seal is mandatory. Both forms require it.
• Only signature compliance is conclusive. Other execution facts remain
  rebuttable.
• Later self-proof still needs all three affiants. “At any time” does not create
  a post-death cure.
• Out-of-state execution and out-of-state self-proof are different questions.
  Section 13.12.506 expressly answers the first, not the second.

Common questions

Can the affidavit be added later?

Yes. Section 13.12.504(b) allows it at any later time, with the testator, both
witnesses, and a qualifying oath officer under official seal.

Can an affidavit signature repair a missing will signature?

Potentially. Section 13.12.504(c) treats an attached affidavit signature as a will
signature when necessary to prove due execution. It does not excuse the other
execution requirements.

What if a witness cannot testify in probate?

The answer depends on whether the case is opposed. Sections 13.16.160 and 13.16.165
allow other evidence when witness proof is unavailable or insufficient under their
respective standards.

Statutes and sources

• Alaska Stat. § 13.12.504 — both self-proof routes, forms, signer set, official
  seal, attachment, and signature spillover.
  https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=13.12.501&secEnd=13.12.514
  (accessed 2026-08-01)
• Alaska Stat. § 13.12.506 — choice of law for execution.
  https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=13.12.501&secEnd=13.12.514
  (accessed 2026-08-01)
• Alaska Stat. § 13.16.160 — unopposed probate proof.
  https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=13.16.150&secEnd=13.16.190
  (accessed 2026-08-01)
• Alaska Stat. § 13.16.165 — contested-case split presumptions and alternate proof.
  https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp?media=print&secStart=13.16.150&secEnd=13.16.190
  (accessed 2026-08-01)