Your Trusted Alaska Estate Planning Attorney
Based in Juneau, Alaska and serving the entire state with frequent travel and virtual services
Offering expert guidance in estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, families with minor children, special needs planning and elder law and medicaid planning, asset protection, trust and estate administration to protect your assets and ensure peace of mind for you and your family.
49th Estate Planning is a flat-fee estate planning law firm based in Juneau, Alaska
Dedicated to providing personalized, client-focused solutions. We understand the complexities of estate planning and offer a flat-fee structure, so you don’t have to worry about hourly charges or surprise bills for a quick phone call. Our goal is to provide peace of mind through transparent, upfront pricing.
Committed to guiding you through important decisions with care, precision, and a deep understanding of your unique needs and goals, we offer the legal support you need, whether you’re planning for the future or managing sensitive family matters. At 49th Estate Planning, we’re here to ensure your legal matters are handled with the utmost care and attention.
Testimonials
“Liz Smith and her team gave us peace of mind that we have our end-of-life plans in place. We were able to accomplish all business virtually and recommend their professional, knowledgeable services to our friends in Southeast Alaska.”
— MM
“Liz and everyone in your office was courteous and great to work with. I would definitely recommend you to anyone considering estate planning.”
— Mike and Laurie Sica
“Liz Smith and her team gave us peace of mind that we have our end-of-life plans in place. We were able to accomplish all business virtually and recommend their professional, knowledgeable services to our friends in Southeast Alaska.”
— B and T Suson
Meet the Team
Meet our dedicated team at 49th Estate Planning, where we work together to provide compassionate and personalized legal support. Each member brings a wealth of experience and a client-focused approach to ensure your estate planning needs are met with care and expertise. To learn more about our team and our commitment to helping you plan for the future, visit our About page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of your assets after your death or in case you become incapacitated. It includes creating legal documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Do I really need a will or trust?
If you have assets, children, or loved ones you want to protect, a will or trust is essential to ensure your wishes are followed. A trust can help avoid probate and may provide greater control over how your assets are distributed.
What’s the difference between a will and a trust?
A will outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death, while a trust allows you to transfer assets during your lifetime, manage them, and avoid the probate process. A trust can also include provisions for asset management if you become incapacitated.
What is probate?
A will outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death, while a trust allows you to transfer assets during your lifetime, manage them, and avoid the probate process. A trust can also include provisions for asset management if you become incapacitated.
What happens if I don’t have an estate plan?
How can I protect my family’s future with estate planning?
Estate planning ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, and that your loved ones are cared for. It also provides for guardianship of minor children, and can include healthcare directives and powers of attorney to protect your interests in case of incapacity.
When should I update my estate plan?
It’s important to review and update your estate plan after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the acquisition of new assets. Regular reviews help ensure your plan reflects your current situation and wishes.
What are the costs of estate planning?
What is a healthcare directive?
A healthcare directive, also known as a living will, specifies your medical wishes in the event that you become incapacitated and unable to make decisions. It may also appoint someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
What is a durable power of attorney?
A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs in case you become incapacitated. Unlike a regular power of attorney, a durable one remains effective even if you are unable to make decisions.
Can I change my estate plan later?
Yes, estate plans can be updated or changed as your life circumstances evolve. It’s recommended to review your plan periodically to ensure it remains aligned with your wishes.
Tips & Tools for Your Estate Plan
Discover valuable insights to make informed decisions about your estate plan. From expert tips to real-life stories, explore our blog posts and podcast episodes designed to empower and educate you.
Blog Posts for Smarter Planning
Five Essential Steps to Protect Your Loved Ones in 2025
You know that uneasy feeling when you think about what everyone you love would do, if (and when) something happens to you? That nagging voice…
4 Estate Planning Myths That Put Your Loved Ones at Risk
Surveys conducted in 2024 by Caring.com and Ameriprise Financial revealed a troubling trend: Americans are falling behind on estate planning. The…
From Preparation to Recovery: When Disaster Strikes
When disaster strikes, time is your most precious resource. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or flood, being ready to act can make all the…
Estate Planning, One episode at a Time
Episode 22: Planning Ahead for Your Funeral, a Gift to Your Family!
What’s Next? Episode 22: Planning Ahead for Your Funeral, a Gift to Your Family with Tracy Foster Many people feel uncomfortable talking about…
Episode 23: How to Prepare Your Family for Your Memorial Service (And Theirs)
What’s Next? Episode 23: How to Prepare Your Family for Your Memorial Service (And Theirs) with Dean Lambert Many people struggle with how to…
Episode 24: Capturing Family Stories: A Legacy Conversation Between Liz Smith and Her Mother
What’s Next? Episode 24: Capturing Family Stories: A Legacy Conversation Between Liz Smith and Her Mother Legacy interviews are offered to estate…
Get in Touch
We’re here to help you create a plan that brings peace of mind and protects your loved ones. Whether you’re just starting your estate planning journey or need help refining an existing plan, we’re ready to assist.
If you would like to schedule a call at a time that works for you, click the button below or fill out the form. We’ll get back to you shortly.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (907) 312-5436
Address: Jordan Creek Center
8800 Glacier Hwy, Suite 222
Juneau, AK 99801.
Not Ready to Schedule a Call Yet?
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Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your own individual situation. No attorney-client relationship is intended or formed by viewing this website, downloading and using the contents, forms, tips or information found on this website. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and email. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Client testimonials or endorsements do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
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