Guardianship and conservatorship in Alaska: who, where, cost
How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Alaska, what it costs and what to try first.
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Short answer
Guardian of an incapacitated person (full guardian or partial guardian), temporary guardian; conservator for property.
- Filing fee
- $150 filing fee for a guardianship.
- Court
- Alaska Superior Court (probate), in the proper venue under AS 13.26.216.
What guardianship or conservatorship is
- What it is called
Guardian of an incapacitated person (full guardian or partial guardian), temporary guardian; conservator for property
- When a court may appoint one
The petitioner must prove incapacity by clear and convincing evidence. The court must then consider whether alternatives to guardianship are feasible; if they are adequate, it may dismiss the case and order another form of protection. If the person can do some but not all functions, the court may appoint only a partial guardian; a full guardian only if the person is totally without capacity to care for themselves and alternatives with a partial guardian will not work. The respondent can ask for a jury trial on incapacity.
Law: AS 13.26.201, 13.26.251
- Kinds
- Full guardian
- Partial guardian
- Temporary guardian (emergency)
- Conservator
- Single transaction order
Law: AS 13.26.201-13.26.330
Who can ask, which court and your own choice
- Who may ask
Any person, for themselves or for another person.
Law: AS 13.26.221(a)
- Court
Alaska Superior Court (probate), in the proper venue under AS 13.26.216
- Choosing your own
The statutory power of attorney form lets you nominate a guardian or conservator, and a written advance health care directive may nominate a guardian. A person you nominated when you had sufficient capacity has first priority.
Law: AS 13.26.650(2); AS 13.52.010(j); AS 13.26.311(d)(1)
- Effect on a power of attorney
If a conservator is appointed, an agent under a durable statutory form power of attorney is accountable to the conservator as well as to you, and the conservator has the same power to revoke, suspend or end the power of attorney that you would have. A guardian cannot revoke your advance health care directive without express court authority, and your health care agent's decisions take precedence over a guardian's unless a court orders otherwise.
Law: AS 13.26.675(b); AS 13.52.040
Cost, fee waiver and forms
- Filing fee
$150 filing fee for a guardianship.
Source: Alaska Court System court fees page
- Fee waiver
Exemption from the payment of fees, form TF-920 (rev. 9/25)
- Forms
- Steps
Other options and where to report abuse
- Supported decision-making
Supported Decision-Making Agreements
Effective December 26, 2018 (ch. 108, SLA 2018, HB 336; signed September 27, 2018)
An adult can sign an agreement naming one or more supporters who help them get information, understand options and communicate their own decisions. Supporters cannot be your employer or employee or a paid service provider (unless an immediate family member), or someone under a protective order you obtained. Ending the agreement must also be in writing with two witnesses or a notary.
Dated, in writing, and signed by you and each supporter (including alternates) either in front of two adult witnesses who also sign, or with all signatures notarized. A witness cannot be a supporter or a supporter's employee or agent. Each supporter signs a separate declaration. If you have a guardian or conservator, you must notify them.
Source: Official text
- Less restrictive options
- Supported Decision-Making Agreement: A written agreement naming supporters who help a person make their own decisions.
- Power of attorney (health care or general): A document the person signs while they have capacity, naming someone to act on specific issues, with no court oversight.
- Single transaction order: A court order letting someone do one specific financial or legal task for the person, for a limited purpose and time.
- Limited (partial) guardianship: A guardian with powers only in the areas where the person needs help.
- Report abuse or exploitation
Alaska Department of Health, Adult Protective Services · 907-269-3666
Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov
Law: AS 13.56.010-13.56.080
Free help in Alaska
- Alaska Court System Guardianship Helpline · 907-264-0520
- Alaska Legal Services Corporation (Alaska Law Help)
- Alaska Court System: Alternatives to Guardianship for Adults
- Alaska Court System: Guardianship - Information About Filing
Report abuse or exploitation
Alaska Department of Health, Adult Protective Services · 907-269-3666
Questions about powers of attorney in Alaska
How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Alaska?
The petitioner must prove incapacity by clear and convincing evidence. The court must then consider whether alternatives to guardianship are feasible; if they are adequate, it may dismiss the case and order another form of protection.
What does a guardianship or conservatorship cost in Alaska?
$150 filing fee for a guardianship.
What are the alternatives to guardianship in Alaska?
Supported Decision-Making Agreement; Power of attorney (health care or general); Single transaction order; Limited (partial) guardianship.