How to File for Guardianship in Alaska

Before You File: Alternatives First

Alaska law requires the court to verify that less-restrictive alternatives have been attempted and found insufficient before appointing a guardian. The PG-100 petition form itself asks the petitioner to explain what alternatives were tried and why they failed.

If you have not already explored supported decision-making agreements, durable powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives, the court will likely ask why. Building a record of attempted alternatives strengthens a petition when guardianship is genuinely needed.

Step 1: Prepare the PG-500 Petition Packet

The Adult Guardianship Petition Packet (Form PG-500) contains four core documents:

PG-500 Cover Sheet — basic case identification information.

PG-100 (Petition for Appointment of Guardian) — the substantive filing. This form requires you to describe the respondent's specific cognitive or physical limitations, identify the areas where decision-making support is needed, and document which less-restrictive alternatives have been tried. The PG-100 must be notarized before filing — the court clerk rejects unnotarized petitions.

PG-115 (Notice of Guardianship Hearing) — the hearing notification that will be served on the respondent and interested parties.

PG-117 (Certificate of Service) — your proof that everyone who is entitled to notice has received it.

Step 2: Filing and Fees

File the completed packet in the Probate Division of the Alaska Superior Court in the judicial district where the respondent lives or is physically located. The filing fee is $150.

If you cannot afford the fee, submit Form TF-920 (Request for Exemption from Payment of Fees) alongside the petition. The court holds the petition until a judge rules on the waiver.

Filing methods vary by location:

• Anchorage: Submit through the designated Email Filing Directory
• Fairbanks: Email to [email protected]
• Other locations: In person during business hours or by physical mail

Self-represented litigants are not required to use TrueFiling, and probate and guardianship filings are excluded from it in many jurisdictions; confirm the local court's filing method with the clerk.

Step 3: Serve the Respondent and Interested Parties

The respondent must be personally served — typically by a process server or peace officer. All other interested parties (spouse, adult children, parents, anyone currently serving as attorney-in-fact or healthcare agent) can be served via certified mail with return receipt requested.

File Form PG-117 with the court to document completed service.

Step 4: Court Visitor and Expert Evaluations

Once the petition is filed, the court appoints two independent evaluators:

A court visitor interviews the respondent at their home, explains their rights (including the right to an attorney, the right to remain silent, and the right to an independent medical evaluation), and investigates whether the petition has merit. The visitor's report must be filed at least 10 days before the hearing.

A medical expert — typically a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist with expertise in the respondent's specific condition — examines the respondent and submits a clinical report on the alleged incapacity.

The court visitor is paid by the state. If the respondent does not have insurance to cover the expert evaluation, the court pays that cost.

Step 5: The Hearing

The Superior Court schedules the hearing within 120 days of filing. The respondent has the right to be present, to be represented by an attorney (the Office of Public Advocacy provides free counsel if they cannot afford one), to present evidence, to cross-examine witnesses, and to demand a jury trial on the question of incapacity.

The burden of proof rests on the petitioner: incapacity must be established by clear and convincing evidence — a higher bar than a simple preponderance.

If the court finds the respondent incapacitated in some areas but capable in others, it must appoint a limited guardian, not a full one. Full plenary guardianship is reserved for cases where the respondent cannot manage any personal or financial tasks.

After Appointment

Appointment triggers a set of reporting obligations starting immediately. The Alaska guardianship annual report post covers the full post-appointment reporting timeline.

For a complete walkthrough of the entire process — from evaluating whether guardianship is necessary through post-appointment compliance — the Alaska Adult Guardianship & Alternatives Guide maps every step, deadline, and form.

See more Alaska guides →