AS Title 13, Chapter 26: Protection of Minors and Incapacitated Persons and Their Property; Powers of Attorney

Article 1. General Provisions. Chapter 26. Protection of Minors and Incapacitated Persons and Their Property; Powers of Attorney. Sec. 13.26.001. Adoption of standards of practice. It is the policy of the state that all guardians and conservators, when making decisions for their wards or protected persons, shall abide by the highest ethical standards of decision making and shall consider the standards of practice adopted by the department by regulation. The department shall adopt standards of practice for guardians and conservators and, before doing so, shall review the standards of practice adopted by a national organization with expertise in the area of standards of practice for guardians and conservators, such as the National Guardianship Association. Sec. 13.26.005. Definitions and use of terms. Unless otherwise apparent from the context, in AS 13.06 — AS 13.36 , (1) “department” means the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; (2) “essential requirements for physical health or safety” means the health care, food, shelter, clothing, personal hygiene, and protection without which serious physical injury or illness is more likely than not to occur; (3) “full guardian” means a guardian who possesses the legal duties and powers enumerated in AS 13.26.316 (c); (4) “guardian” includes full guardian and partial guardian; (5) “incapacitated person” means a person whose ability to receive and evaluate information or to communicate decisions is impaired for reasons other than minority to the extent that the person lacks the ability to provide the essential requirements for the person's physical health or safety without court-ordered assistance; (6) “partial guardian” means a guardian who possesses fewer than all of the legal duties and powers of a full guardian, and whose rights, powers, and duties have been specifically enumerated by court order; (7) “private professional conservator” means a person, other than the public guardian, who is licensed under AS 08.26 or exempt under AS 08.26.180 ; (8) “private professional guardian” means a person, other than the public guardian, who is licensed under AS 08.26 or exempt under AS 08.26.180 ; (9) a “protected person” is a minor or other person for whom a conservator has been appointed or other protective order has been made; (10) a “protective proceeding” is a proceeding under the provisions of AS 13.26.401 to determine that a person cannot effectively manage or apply the person's estate to necessary ends, either because the person lacks the ability or is otherwise inconvenienced, or because the person is a minor, and to secure administration of the estate by a conservator or other appropriate relief; (11) “respondent” means a person who, in a guardianship proceeding under this chapter, is alleged to be an incapacitated person and for whom the appointment of a guardian or alternative assistance is sought; “respondent” includes a person seeking the appointment of a guardian or alternative assistance for oneself; (12) “visitor” means a person trained or experienced in law, medical care, mental health care, pastoral care, education, rehabilitation, or social work, who is an officer, employee, or special appointee of the court with no personal interest in the proceedings; (13) a “ward” is a person for whom a guardian has been appointed; a “minor ward” is a minor for whom a guardian has been appointed solely because of minority. Sec. 13.26.010. Jurisdiction of subject matter; consolidation of proceedings. (a) The court has jurisdiction over protective proceedings and guardianship proceedings. (b) When both guardianship and protective proceedings as to the same person are commenced or pending in the same court, the proceedings may be consolidated. (c) This section is subject to the requirements of AS 13.27 (Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act). Secs. 13.26.013 — 13.26.020. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.021 , 13.26.031 and 13.26.051.] Sec. 13.26.021. Court records of proceedings; access; sealing. (a) A notice of the filing of a petition, a summary of all formal proceedings, and a dispositional order or modification or termination of a dispositional order relating to a proceeding under this chapter shall be available for public inspection. All other information contained in the court records relating to a proceeding under this chapter is confidential and available only upon court order for good cause shown or to the following persons: (1) the person who is the subject of the court record, the person's attorney, or the person's guardian ad litem; (2) a person designated by the person who is the subject of the court record; (3) the guardian of the person who is the subject of the court record or the attorney of the guardian; (4) the conservator of the estate of the person who is the subject of the court record or the attorney of the conservator; (5) a party to the proceeding and the person's attorney; (6) the judge or judges hearing or reviewing the matter; (7) a member of the clerical or administrative staff of the court if access is essential for authorized internal administrative purposes; and (8) the department when a private professional guardian or a private professional conservator is involved in the proceeding. (b) Upon finding that a petition under this chapter was malicious, frivolous, or without just cause, the court may order that all information contained in the court records relating to the proceeding be sealed and that the information be disclosed only upon court order for good cause shown. Secs. 13.26.025 , 13.26.030. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.041 and 13.26.101.] Sec. 13.26.031. Facility of payment or delivery. Any person under a duty to pay or deliver money or personal property to a minor may perform this duty, in amounts not exceeding $5,000 a year, by paying or delivering the money or property to (1) the minor, if the minor is married; (2) any person having the care and custody of the minor with whom the minor resides; (3) a guardian of the minor; or (4) a financial institution incident to a deposit in a federally insured savings account in the sole name of the minor and giving notice of the deposit to the minor. This section does not apply if the person making payment or delivery has actual knowledge that a conservator has been appointed or proceedings for appointment of a conservator of the estate of the minor are pending. The persons, other than the minor or any financial institution under (4) of this section, receiving money or property for a minor, are obligated to apply the money to the support and education of the minor, but may not pay themselves except by way of reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses for goods and services necessary for the minor's support. Any excess sums shall be preserved for future support of the minor and any balance not so used and any property received for the minor must be turned over to the minor when the minor attains majority. Persons who pay or deliver in accordance with provisions of this section are not responsible for the proper application thereof. Secs. 13.26.035 , 13.26.40. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.121 and 13.26.126.] Sec. 13.26.041. Appointment of a guardian ad litem. (a) Upon the request of a ward, protected person, or respondent, or the attorney of a ward, protected person, or respondent, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem to protect the rights of the ward, protected person, or respondent in proceedings under AS 13.26.201 — 13.26.580. The court shall make the appointment if the court is satisfied that, because of impaired ability effectively to receive and evaluate information regarding the proceedings or because of impaired ability to communicate decisions regarding the proceedings, the ward, protected person, or respondent is incapable of determining the ward's, protected person's, or respondent's position regarding the issues involved in the pending proceedings, and (1) a guardian or conservator has not been appointed; (2) the interests of the ward, protected person, or respondent conflict with those of the ward's, protected person's, or respondent's guardian or conservator; or (3) the appointment is otherwise in the interests of justice. (b) The guardian ad litem shall assist the ward, protected person, or respondent in determining the ward's, protected person's, or respondent's interests in regard to the legal proceedings that involve the ward, protected person, or respondent. If the ward, protected person, or respondent is entirely incapable of determining those interests, the guardian ad litem shall make the determination of those interests and advise the court and counsel for all parties accordingly. The guardian ad litem shall (1) inquire thoroughly into all the circumstances that a prudent ward, protected person, or respondent would consider in determining the ward's, protected person's, or respondent's own interests in the proceedings, including any prior relevant statements made or actions taken by the ward, protected person, or respondent; and (2) encourage the ward, protected person, or respondent to participate, to the maximum extent possible, in all decisions and to act on the ward's, protected person's, or respondent's own behalf on all matters in which the ward, protected person, or respondent is able. (c) The attorney for the ward, protected person, or respondent may be appointed as the guardian ad litem for the ward, protected person, or respondent if there is no other party readily available and able to serve as a guardian ad litem and the court determines that the appointment is appropriate under the standards set out in (a) of this section. When a person who has been appointed by the court as the attorney for the ward, protected person, or respondent is appointed to act as the guardian ad litem for the ward, protected person, or respondent under this subsection, the appointment of the person as the attorney ends, and the person appointed as the guardian ad litem shall act exclusively as a guardian ad litem for the ward, protected person, or respondent. (d) The office of public advocacy shall provide guardian ad litem services to persons who would suffer financial hardship or become dependent upon a government agency or a private person or agency if the services were not to be provided at state expense. Secs. 13.26.045 , 13.26.050. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.132 , and 13.26.137.] Sec. 13.26.051. Delegation of powers over incapacitated adult by parent or guardian. A parent or a guardian of an adult incapacitated person, by a properly executed power of attorney, may delegate to another person, for a period not exceeding one year, any powers regarding care, custody, or property of the adult incapacitated person. Secs. 13.26.055 — 13.26.065. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.143 , 13.26.147, 13.26.153, 13.26.157, and 13.26.162.] Sec. 13.26.066. Delegation of powers over minor child. (a) A parent or a guardian of a minor child, by a properly executed power of attorney that is substantially in the form provided in (f) of this section, may delegate to another person one or more powers regarding the care or custody of the minor child, except the power to consent to (1) the marriage or adoption of the minor child; (2) the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the minor child; or (3) the termination of parental rights to the minor child. (b) A parent or guardian of a minor child may revoke the power of attorney made by the parent or guardian under (a) of this section at any time. A parent of a minor child may revoke a power of attorney that another parent of the minor child has made under (a) of this section. A guardian of a minor child may revoke a power of attorney that another guardian of the minor child has made under (a) of this section. If a parent or guardian revokes a power of attorney, the attorney-in-fact shall return the minor child to the custody of the parent or the guardian as soon as reasonably possible after the revocation. (c) Except as provided in (d) of this section, a power of attorney under this section is not effective for a period that exceeds one year. However, after a power of attorney expires under this subsection, a parent or guardian may enter into a new power of attorney. (d) A power of attorney made by a military parent or guardian may be effective for a period that exceeds one year if the military parent or guardian is on active duty, but the power of attorney is not effective for a period that exceeds the length of the active duty plus 30 days. (e) Unless a parent or guardian revokes a power of attorney, the attorney-in- fact shall exercise the power in the power of attorney without compensation for the duration of the power of attorney. (f) To designate an attorney-in-fact, a parent or guardian shall execute a power of attorney that is in substantially the following form: Section 1. I certify that I am the parent or guardian of (Full name of minor child)(Date of birth) (Full name of minor child)(Date of birth) (Full name of minor child)(Date of birth) who is/are minor children. Section 2. I designate _____________________________________________________ (Full name of attorney- in-fact), _____________________________________________________(Street address, city, state, and zip code of attorney-in-fact) (Home telephone of attorney-in-fact)(Work telephone of attorney-in-fact) as the attorney-in-fact of each minor child named above. Section 3. I delegate to the attorney-in-fact all of my power and authority regarding the care and custody of each minor child named above, including the right to enroll the child in school, the right to inspect and obtain copies of education records and other records concerning the child, the right to attend school activities and other functions concerning the child, and the right to give or withhold any consent or waiver with respect to school activities, medical treatment, dental treatment, and other activity, function, or treatment that may concern the minor child. This delegation does not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the minor child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the minor child, or the termination of parental rights to the minor child. ORSection 4. I delegate to my attorney-in-fact the following specific powers and responsibilities (write in): _____Delegation under this section does not include the power or authority to consent to the marriage or adoption of the minor child, the performance or inducement of an abortion on or for the minor child, or the termination of parental rights to the minor child. (If you complete Section 4, Section 3 does not apply). Section 5. This power of attorney is effective for a period not to exceed one year, beginning __________, 20 _____, and ending __________, 20 _____. I reserve the right to revoke this authority at any time. ORSection 6. I am a military parent or guardian under AS 13.26.066 (d). My active duty is scheduled to begin on __________, 20 _____, and is estimated to end on __________, 20 _____. I acknowledge that this power of attorney will not last more than one year, or the term of my active duty service plus 30 days, whichever period is longer. By: _____________________________________________________(Parent/guardian signature)Section 7. I hereby accept my designation as attorney-in-fact for the minor child/children identified in this power of attorney. _____________________________________________________(Attorney-in-fact signature)State of __________________________________________ Judicial DistrictACKNOWLEDGMENTBefore me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, in and for the Judicial District and State identified above, on this _________ day of _________, 20 _____, personally appeared _____________________________________________________ (name of parent/guardian) and _____________________________________________________ (name of attorney-in-fact), to me known to be the persons who executed this power of attorney, and each acknowledged to me that each executed the same as the person's free and voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes set out in this power of attorney. Witness my hand and official seal the day and year written above. (Signature of notary public) (Seal, if any)_____________________________________________________(Title and rank)My commission expires: __________ (g) A power of attorney does not change parental rights, legal rights, obligations, or other authority established by an existing court order and does not deprive the parent or guardian of rights, obligations, or other authority relating to the custody, visitation, or support of the minor child. (h) Except as otherwise determined under another statute, the execution of a power of attorney by a parent or guardian does not constitute abandonment, neglect, or abuse of the minor child or ward under AS 47.10.013 — 47.10.015, unless the parent or guardian fails, after the power of attorney terminates, to retake custody of the child and does not execute a new power of attorney. (i) Under a power of attorney, a minor child is not considered to be in foster care, and the attorney-in-fact is not considered to be providing foster care for which a license is required under AS 47.32 . (j) In this section, (1) “active duty” means military duties that are performed full time; (2) “attorney-in-fact” means the individual to whom a parent or guardian gives a power under a power of attorney; (3) “foster care” means care provided by a person for which a foster home license is required by AS 47.32 ; (4) “guardian” means a natural person who is legally appointed the guardian of a minor child by the court under this chapter; (5) “military parent or guardian” means a person who is a parent or guardian of a minor and who is a member of (A) the armed forces of the United States; (B) a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States; (C) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps or the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, if the member is (i) assigned by proper authority to duty with the armed forces of the United States; or (ii) required to serve on active duty with the armed forces of the United States under a call or order of the President of the United States, or to serve on active duty with the military forces of the state; (6) “minor child” means a natural person who is under 18 years of age, including a stepchild or a grandchild, but not including a foster child; (7) “parent” includes a stepparent or a grandparent, and a parent who is incarcerated for a criminal conviction, but not a foster parent; (8) “power of attorney” means a power of attorney entered into under this section. Secs. 13.26.070 — 13.26.100. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.167 , 13.26.171, 13.26.181, 13.26.186, 13.26.201, 13.26.211, and 13.26.216.] Article 2. Guardians of Minors. Sec. 13.26.101. Status of guardian of minor; general. A person becomes a guardian of a minor by acceptance of a testamentary appointment or upon appointment by the court. The guardianship status continues until terminated, without regard to the location from time to time of the guardian and minor ward. Secs. 13.26.105 — 13.26.109. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.221 , 13.26.226, 13.26.231, 13.26.236, and 13.26.241.] Sec. 13.26.110. Findings; order of appointment. [Repealed, § 21 ch 83 SLA 1981. For current law see AS 13.26.266 .] Sec. 13.26.111. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.246 .] Sec. 13.26.112. Appointment of a guardian ad litem. [Repealed, § 31 ch 84 SLA 2004. For current law see AS 13.26.041 .] Secs. 13.26.113 — 13.26.120. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.251 , 13.26.256, 13.26.261, 13.26.266, 13.26.271, 13.26.276, and 13.26.281.] Sec. 13.26.121. Testamentary appointment of guardian of minor. The parent of a minor may appoint by will a guardian of an unmarried minor. Subject to the right of the minor under AS 13.26.126 , a testamentary appointment becomes effective upon filing the guardian's acceptance in the court in which the will is probated, if before acceptance, both parents are dead or the surviving parent is adjudged incapacitated. If both parents are dead, an effective appointment by the parent who died later has priority. This state recognizes a testamentary appointment effected by filing the guardian's acceptance under a will probated in another state which is the testator's domicile. Upon acceptance of appointment, written notice of acceptance must be given by the guardian to the minor and to the person having care of the minor, or to the minor's nearest adult relation. Sec. 13.26.125. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.286 .] Sec. 13.26.126. Objection by minor of 14 or older to testamentary appointment. A minor of 14 or more years may prevent an appointment of a testamentary guardian for the minor from becoming effective, or may cause a previously accepted appointment to terminate, by filing with the court in which the will is probated a written objection to the appointment before it is accepted or within 30 days after notice of its acceptance. An objection may be withdrawn. An objection does not preclude appointment by the court in a proper proceeding of the testamentary nominee, or any other suitable person. Sec. 13.26.130. Visitor in guardianship proceeding. [Repealed, § 21 ch 83 SLA 1981. For current law see AS 13.26.226 and 13.26.236.] Sec. 13.26.131. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.291 .] Sec. 13.26.132. Court appointment of guardian of minor; conditions for appointment. The court may appoint a guardian for an unmarried minor if all parental rights of custody have been terminated or suspended by circumstances or prior court order. A guardian appointed by will as provided in AS 13.26.121 whose appointment has not been prevented or nullified under AS 13.26.126 has priority over any guardian who may be appointed by the court but the court may proceed with an appointment upon a finding that the testamentary guardian has failed to accept the testamentary appointment within 30 days after notice of the guardianship proceeding. Sec. 13.26.135. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.296 .] Sec. 13.26.137. Venue for proceedings. (a) The venue for guardianship proceedings for a minor is in the place where the minor resides or is present. (b) The venue for a guardianship proceeding for a child in state custody under AS 47.10 is the (1) superior court where the child-in-need-of-aid proceeding is pending as provided under AS 47.10.111 ; or (2) judicial district in which the petitioner resides if the petitioner provides notice to all of the parties to the child-in-need-of-aid proceeding and no party objects. Secs. 13.26.140 , 13.26.141. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.301 and 13.26.306.] Sec. 13.26.143. Court appointment of guardian of minor; qualifications; priority of minor's nominee and adult family member. The court may appoint as guardian any adult whose appointment would be in the best interests of the minor and is consistent with a priority given to an adult family member. The court shall appoint a person nominated by the minor, if the minor is 14 years of age or older, unless the court finds the appointment contrary to the best interests of the minor. In this section, “adult family member” has the meaning given in AS 47.10.990 . Sec. 13.26.145. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.311 .] Sec. 13.26.147. Court appointment of guardian of minor; procedure. (a) Notice of the time and place of hearing of a petition for the appointment of a guardian of a minor is to be given by the petitioner in the manner prescribed by AS 13.06.110 to: (1) the minor, if the minor is 14 or more years of age; (2) the person who has had the principal care and custody of the minor during the 60 days preceding the date of the petition; and (3) any living parent of the minor. (b) Upon hearing, if the court finds that a qualified person seeks appointment, venue is proper, the required notices have been given, the requirements of AS 13.26.132 have been met, and the welfare and best interests of the minor will be served by the requested appointment, it shall make the appointment. In other cases the court may dismiss the proceedings, or make any other disposition of the matter that will best serve the interest of the minor. (c) If necessary, the court may appoint a temporary guardian, with the status of an ordinary guardian of a minor, but the authority of a temporary guardian shall not last longer than six months. (d) If, at any time in the proceeding, the court determines that the interests of the minor are or may be inadequately represented, it may appoint an attorney to represent the minor, giving consideration to the preference of the minor if the minor is 14 years of age or older. (e) A petitioner seeking appointment as the guardian of a minor in state custody under AS 47.10 shall file the petition in either the court where the child-in- need-of-aid proceedings are pending or the judicial district in which the petitioner resides, as required under AS 13.26.137 (b) and AS 47.10.111 . Sec. 13.26.150. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.316 .] Sec. 13.26.153. Subsidized guardianship; procedure. Procedures relating to subsidized guardianships for hard-to-place children are governed by AS 25.23.200 — 25.23.240. Sec. 13.26.155. Proceedings subsequent to appointment; venue. [Repealed, § 31 ch 53 SLA 2008.] Sec. 13.26.157. Guardianship after voluntary relinquishment; procedure. In addition to the applicable procedures under this chapter, a guardianship decree and review of a guardianship decree are governed by the procedures established under AS 25.23.180 and, for a child-in-need-of-aid, AS 47.10.089 , pertaining to voluntary relinquishment of parental rights and retaining of parental privileges in a guardianship decree. Sec. 13.26.162. Consent to service by acceptance of appointment; notice; letters of guardianship requirement. By accepting a testamentary or court appointment as guardian, a guardian submits personally to the jurisdiction of the court in any proceeding relating to the guardianship that may be instituted by any interested person. Notice of any proceeding shall be delivered to the guardian, or mailed by ordinary mail to the guardian's address as listed in the court records and to the guardian's address as then known to the petitioner. Letters of guardianship must indicate whether the guardian was appointed by will or by court order. Sec. 13.26.165. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.401 .] Sec. 13.26.167. Powers and duties of guardian of minor. A guardian of a minor has the powers and responsibilities of a parent who has not been deprived of custody of a minor and unemancipated child, except that a guardian is not legally obligated to provide from the guardian's own funds for the ward and is not liable to third persons by reason of the parental relationship for acts of the ward. In particular, and without qualifying the foregoing, a guardian (1) must take reasonable care of the ward's personal effects and commence protective proceedings if necessary to protect other property of the ward; (2) may receive money payable for the support of the ward to the ward's parent, guardian or custodian under the terms of any statutory benefit or insurance system, or any private contract, devise, trust, conservatorship or custodianship; the guardian also may receive money or property of the ward paid or delivered by virtue of AS 13.26.031 ; any sums so received shall be applied to the ward's current needs for support, care and education; the guardian must exercise due care to conserve any excess for the ward's future needs unless a conservator has been appointed for the estate of the ward, in which case excess shall be paid over at least annually to the conservator; sums so received by the guardian may not be used for compensation for the guardian's services except as approved by order of court or as determined by a duly appointed conservator other than the guardian; a guardian may institute proceedings to compel the performance by any person of a duty to support the ward or to pay sums for the welfare of the ward; (3) may facilitate the ward's education, social, or other activities and authorize medical or other professional care, treatment, or advice; a guardian is not liable by reason of this consent for injury to the ward resulting from the negligence or acts of third persons unless it would have been illegal for a parent to have consented; a guardian may consent to the marriage or adoption of the ward; (4) must report the condition of the ward and of the ward's estate which has been subject to the guardian's possession or control, as ordered by court on petition of any person interested in the minor's welfare or as required by court rule. Sec. 13.26.170. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.406 .] Sec. 13.26.171. Termination of appointment of guardian; general. A guardian's authority and responsibility terminate upon the death, resignation, or removal of the guardian or upon the minor's death, adoption, marriage, or attainment of majority, but termination does not affect the guardian's liability for prior acts, nor the obligation to account for funds and assets of the ward. Resignation of a guardian does not terminate the guardianship until it has been approved by the court. A testamentary appointment under an informally probated will terminates if the will is later denied probate in a formal proceeding. Secs. 13.26.175 , 13.26.180. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.411 and 13.26.415.] Sec. 13.26.181. Proceedings subsequent to appointment; venue. (a) The court where the ward resides has concurrent jurisdiction with the court which appointed the guardian, or in which acceptance of a testamentary appointment was filed, over resignation, removal, accounting, and other proceedings relating to the guardianship. (b) If the court located where the ward resides is not the court in which acceptance of appointment is filed, the court in which proceedings subsequent to appointment are commenced shall in all appropriate cases notify the other court, in this or another state, and after consultation with that court determine whether to retain jurisdiction or transfer the proceedings to the other court, whichever is in the best interest of the ward. A copy of any order accepting a resignation or removing a guardian shall be sent to the court in which acceptance of appointment is filed. Sec. 13.26.185. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.420 .] Sec. 13.26.186. Resignation or removal proceedings; appointment of attorney for minor. (a) Any person interested in the welfare of a ward, or the ward, if 14 or more years of age, may petition for removal of a guardian on the ground that removal would be in the best interest of the ward. A guardian may petition for permission to resign. A petition for removal or for permission to resign may, but need not, include a request for appointment of a successor guardian. (b) After notice and hearing on a petition for removal or for permission to resign, the court may terminate the guardianship and make any further order that may be appropriate. (c) If, at any time in the proceeding, the court determines that the interests of the ward are or may be inadequately represented, it may appoint an attorney to represent the minor, giving consideration to the preference of the minor if the minor is 14 or more years of age. Secs. 13.26.190 — 13.26.200. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.425 — 13.26.435.] Article 3. Guardians of Incapacitated Persons. Sec. 13.26.201. Purpose and basis for guardianship. Guardianship for an incapacitated person shall be used only as is necessary to promote and protect the well-being of the person, shall be designed to encourage the development of maximum self-reliance and independence of the person, and shall be ordered only to the extent necessitated by the person's actual mental and physical limitations. An incapacitated person for whom a guardian has been appointed is not presumed to be incompetent and retains all legal and civil rights except those that have been expressly limited by court order or have been specifically granted to the guardian by the court. Secs. 13.26.205 — 13.26.210. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.440 — 13.26.465.] Sec. 13.26.211 Testamentary appointment of guardian for incapacitated person. (a) The parent of an incapacitated person may by will appoint a guardian of the incapacitated person. A testamentary appointment by a parent becomes effective when, after having given seven days' prior written notice of intention to do so to the incapacitated person and to the person having care of the incapacitated person or to the incapacitated person's nearest adult relative, the guardian files acceptance of appointment in the court in which the will is informally or formally probated, if, prior thereto, both parents are dead or the surviving parent is adjudged incapacitated. If both parents are dead, an effective appointment by the parent who died later has priority unless it is terminated by the denial of probate in formal proceedings. (b) The spouse of a married incapacitated person may by will appoint a guardian of the incapacitated person. The appointment becomes effective when, after having given seven days' prior written notice of intention to do so to the incapacitated person and to the person having care of the incapacitated person or to the incapacitated person's nearest adult relative, the guardian files acceptance of appointment in the court in which the will is informally or formally probated. An effective appointment by a spouse has priority over an appointment by a parent unless it is terminated by the denial of probate in formal proceedings. (c) This state recognizes a testamentary appointment effected by filing acceptance under a will probated at the testator's domicile in another state. (d) On the filing with the court in which the will was probated of written objection to the appointment by the person for whom a testamentary appointment of guardian has been made, the appointment is terminated. An objection does not prevent appointment by the court in a proper proceeding of the testamentary nominee or any other suitable person upon an adjudication of incapacity in proceedings under AS 13.26.216 — 13.26.316. (e) A testamentary appointment of a guardian by the parent of an incapacitated person, or by the spouse of a married incapacitated person, may grant all guardianship powers and duties that the deceased parent or spouse held, subject to modification by the court under AS 13.26.286 . Sec. 13.26.215. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.470 .] Sec. 13.26.216. Venue. The venue for guardianship proceedings for an incapacitated person is in the place where the incapacitated person resides or is present. If the incapacitated person is admitted to an institution under order of a court of competent jurisdiction, venue is also in the judicial district in which that court sits. Sec. 13.26.220. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.475 .] Sec. 13.26.221. Petition. (a) Any person may petition the court for a finding of incapacity and the appointment of a guardian for oneself or for another person. (b) The petition for appointment of a guardian must state (1) the name, age, and address of the petitioner and any relationship to the respondent; (2) the name, age, and present address of the respondent; (3) the name and address of the person or facility presently having care, custody, guardianship, or conservatorship of the respondent, if any, and the existence of any other restrictions on the legal capacity of the respondent to act in the respondent's own behalf; (4) the nature and degree of the alleged incapacity; (5) the particular type and duration of appointment and the protection and assistance being sought; (6) the names and addresses, unless they are unknown and cannot reasonably be ascertained, of the individuals most closely related to the respondent by blood or marriage; (7) the facts supporting the allegations of incapacity and the need for appointment of a guardian; (8) the names and addresses of persons known to the petitioner who have knowledge that might prove helpful in determining the capacity and needs of the respondent. (c) The petition may also nominate a guardian and include a request for temporary guardianship as provided in AS 13.26.301 if the petitioner believes there is an imminent danger that the physical health or safety of the respondent will be seriously impaired during the pendency of the guardianship proceeding. A request for temporary guardianship must specify facts that cause the petitioner to believe that a temporary guardian is necessary. (d) [Repealed, § 31 ch 84 SLA 2004.] Sec. 13.26.225. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.480 .] Sec. 13.26.226. Initial court procedures. (a) Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall schedule a hearing on the issue of incapacity. The hearing shall be conducted within 120 days from the filing of the petition unless the court postpones the hearing for cause. (b) The respondent is entitled to be represented by an attorney in the proceedings. If the respondent is financially unable to employ an attorney, the court shall appoint the office of public advocacy ( AS 44.21.400 ) under AS 13.26.291 to represent the respondent in the proceedings. (c) The court shall appoint a visitor. The visitor shall arrange for evaluations to be performed and prepare a written report to be filed with the court. The court shall also appoint an expert who has expertise in regard to the alleged or admitted incapacity to investigate the issue of incapacity. The visitor shall interview the respondent and the person seeking appointment as guardian, if any. The visitor shall conduct the interviews and investigations necessary to prepare the report and shall arrange for the respondent to be examined by the expert appointed under this section. The expert's written report shall be attached to the visitor's report. Interviews and examinations shall take place in the respondent's usual residence unless (1) the respondent consents to being examined or interviewed in a medical or mental health facility; or (2) the visitor considers it necessary to conduct interviews or examinations in a medical or mental health facility. (d) The Alaska Court System shall provide visitors and experts in guardianship proceedings under AS 13.26.291 . The Alaska Court System may contract for services of court-appointed visitors and experts. Sec. 13.26.230. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.485 .] Sec. 13.26.231. Notice of rights of respondent. (a) Upon appointment, the visitor shall promptly (1) explain to the respondent, in a language or communication system the respondent can understand, the purpose of the interview and possible consequences of the proceedings; (2) serve a copy of the petition on the respondent in accordance with the procedure described in AS 13.06.110 ; (3) explain and provide to the respondent a written statement of the following rights: (A) the respondent may communicate with an attorney or an expert in the field of the alleged incapacity before proceeding with the interview; (B) if the respondent does not have an attorney, an attorney, whose name, address, and telephone number shall be included in the statement, will be designated to advise and represent the respondent before and at any judicial hearings, and the attorney may arrange for an examination and consultation with an expert; and (C) the respondent may, instead, employ an attorney or expert of the respondent's own choice; and (4) offer assistance to the respondent in contacting an attorney. (b) A substantive interview of the respondent or other investigation may not be conducted until the provisions of (a) of this section are satisfied. Sec. 13.26.235. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.490 .] Sec. 13.26.236. Visitor's report. (a) The visitor shall file with the court an evaluation report, proof of service of the petition upon the respondent, and proof of service of the report upon the respondent, the respondent's attorney, and the petitioner, within 90 days after the date on which the petition was filed. (b) The visitor shall, as part of the evaluation report, explain alternatives to guardianship and recommend any that will safeguard the respondent's essential requirements for physical health and safety. The evaluation report may recommend personal guardianship only if the visitor determines that the needs of the respondent cannot be met by other alternatives. (c) The evaluation report must include (1) the results and analyses of medical and other tests and examinations performed that describe the respondent's mental, emotional, physical, and educational condition, adaptive behavior and social skills, and that specify the data on which the description is based; (2) recommendations regarding the types and extent of assistance, if any, necessary to meet the essential requirements for the physical health and safety of the respondent; (3) an evaluation of the respondent's need for mental health treatment and whether there is a substantial probability that available treatment will significantly improve the respondent's mental condition; (4) an evaluation of the respondent's need for educational or vocational assistance or personal care and whether these can be made available to the respondent; (5) an evaluation of the probability that the incapacity may significantly lessen, and the type of services or treatment that will facilitate improvement in the respondent's condition or skills; (6) a list of the names and addresses of all individuals who examined, interviewed, or investigated the respondent and of the names and addresses of all persons contacted in preparation of the report; (7) a summary of the information that (A) was supplied by the person described in (6) of this subsection; and (B) supports the conclusions of the report; (8) a description of the alternatives to guardianship that were considered and not recommended and an explanation of why they are not feasible to meet the respondent's needs; (9) a description of the present home and living arrangement of the respondent and of any other proposed placement and a recommendation for the respondent's living arrangement that provides the least restrictive setting necessary to protect the respondent from serious illness, injury, or disease; and (10) a specification of the financial resources of the respondent, the respondent's entitlements to insurance benefits, and publicly operated or sponsored health, mental health, and welfare assistance that might be employed in the provision of services to the respondent. (d) If personal guardianship is recommended, the evaluation report required under this section must include a guardianship outline that identifies (1) potential guardians; (2) the specific services necessary and available to protect the respondent from serious injury, illness, or disease and, to the extent possible, to return the respondent to full capacity in handling the respondent's own affairs; (3) the means by which the services described in (2) of this subsection may be financed; (4) the specific, least restrictive authority needed by the guardian to provide the services described in (2) of this subsection. (e) The petitioner and the respondent may file responses to the evaluation report within 10 days of receiving it. The court may grant additional time if requested for cause. Sec. 13.26.240. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.495 .] Sec. 13.26.241. Evaluations; right to remain silent; respondent's attorney or expert. (a) A ward or respondent has the right to refuse to respond to questions in the course of examinations and evaluations. However, the ward or respondent may be required to submit to interviews for the purpose of ascertaining whether the ward or respondent lacks the capacity to make informed decisions about care and treatment services. (b) Statements of a ward or respondent in the course of evaluations, examinations, and treatment under AS 13.26.201 — 13.26.316 are privileged, confidential, and not admissible without the ward's or respondent's consent in any civil or criminal proceeding other than proceedings under AS 13.26.201 — 13.26.316. A ward or respondent at all times has the right to refuse to answer questions if the answers may tend to incriminate the ward or respondent. (c) During an interview or a testing conducted under AS 13.26.201 — 13.26.316, a ward or respondent has the right to be accompanied by an attorney or expert of the ward's or respondent's own choosing. (d) The court, if requested by a ward or respondent in preparation for and in connection with a hearing held under AS 13.26.201 — 13.26.316, shall appoint an expert having expertise in regard to the alleged or admitted incapacity to examine the respondent and testify on the respondent's behalf. The request shall be filed in court at least five days before the hearing. An expert appointed under this subsection may be the same expert appointed under AS 13.26.226 (c). Sec. 13.26.245. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.500 .] Sec. 13.26.246. Duties and powers of attorney of ward or respondent. (a) The principal duty of an attorney representing a ward or respondent is to represent the ward or respondent zealously. Zealous representation includes at least (1) personal interviews with the ward or respondent; unless good cause exists, the first contact with the ward or respondent shall be at least two weeks before the hearing; (2) explaining, if possible, to the ward or respondent in terms that the ward or respondent can understand, the nature and possible consequences of the proceeding, the alternatives that are available, and the rights to which the ward or respondent is entitled; (3) securing and presenting evidence and testimony and offering arguments that would tend to protect the ward's or respondent's rights and that would tend to further the interests of the ward or respondent. (b) To the maximum extent possible, the ward or respondent shall remain responsible for determining the interests of the ward or respondent. However, the attorney for the ward or respondent may seek appointment of a guardian ad litem if the circumstances of AS 13.26.041 apply. Sec. 13.26.250. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.505 .] Sec. 13.26.251. Hearing and determination. (a) At the hearing scheduled under AS 13.26.226 , the respondent has the right to (1) present evidence on the respondent's own behalf; (2) cross-examine adverse witnesses; (3) remain silent; (4) have the hearing open or closed to the public as the respondent elects; (5) be present unless the court determines that the respondent's conduct in the courtroom is so disruptive that the proceedings cannot reasonably continue with the respondent present; (6) be tried by jury on the issue of incapacity. (b) The burden of proof by clear and convincing evidence is upon the petitioner, and a determination of incapacity shall be made before consideration of proper disposition. If the respondent stipulates to incapacity, the court may make a finding of incapacity without obtaining evidence from the expert appointed under AS 13.26.226 (c). (c) If the respondent is found to be incapacitated, the court shall determine the extent of the incapacity and the feasibility of alternatives to guardianship to meet the needs of the respondent. (d) If it is found that alternatives to guardianship are feasible and adequate to meet the needs of the respondent, the court may dismiss the action and order an alternative form of protection. (e) If it is found that the respondent is able to perform some, but not all, of the functions necessary to care for the respondent, and alternatives to guardianship are not feasible or adequate to provide for the needs of the respondent, the court may appoint a partial guardian, but may not appoint a full guardian.

(f) If it is found that the respondent is totally without capacity to care for the respondent and that a combination of alternatives to guardianship and the appointment of a partial guardian is not feasible or adequate to meet the needs of the respondent, the court may appoint a full guardian. (g) If it is necessary to appoint a guardian, the court shall consider the ward's preference. (h) At the time a guardian is appointed, the court shall make a reasonable effort to acquaint the ward with the ward's right to request, at a later time, the guardian's dismissal or a modification of the guardianship order. The court shall provide a written statement to the ward, explaining the ward's rights and specifying the procedures to be followed in petitioning the court. Sec. 13.26.255. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.510 .] Sec. 13.26.256. Psychotropic medication influencing wards or respondents at judicial hearings. (a) A ward or respondent has a right to participate to the maximum extent possible in all judicial proceedings concerning the ward or respondent and to be free from the influence of psychotropic medication during the proceedings. (b) It is the responsibility of the attorney for the ward or respondent to determine if the ward or respondent is being treated with psychotropic medication the effects of which would continue during the judicial proceedings and, if so, to inform the court in writing a reasonable time before the hearing. (c) The court, upon receipt of the information provided under (b) of this section, shall require a medical examination of the ward or respondent, if the court determines that the medical examination is necessary, and shall determine the advisability of continuation or suspension of the treatment for the duration of the judicial proceedings. The court may make any appropriate order it considers necessary. The court in making its determination shall balance the interest of maximum participation of the ward or respondent in the hearings against the medical and rehabilitative needs of the ward or respondent. (d) If the ward or respondent is under the influence of psychotropic medication during the judicial proceeding determining capacity, the trier of fact shall take that fact into consideration in making its determination. Secs. 13.26.257 , 13.26.260. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.515 and 13.26.520.] Sec. 13.26.261. Acceptance of appointment; consent to jurisdiction. By accepting appointment, a guardian submits personally to the jurisdiction of the court in any proceeding relating to the guardianship that may be instituted by any interested person. Notice of any proceeding shall be delivered to the guardian or mailed by ordinary mail to the guardian's address as listed in the court records and to the guardian's address as then known to the petitioner. Sec. 13.26.265. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.525 .] Sec. 13.26.266. Guardianship order. (a) If the court or jury determines that a person is incapacitated and the services of a guardian are necessary, the court shall enter an order that (1) names the guardian and establishes a guardian-ward relationship; (2) includes findings of fact that support each grant of authority to the guardian; (3) adopts a guardianship plan. (b) The guardianship plan shall specify the authority that the guardian has with regard to (1) medical care for the ward's physical condition; (2) mental health treatment that the guardian considers to be in the ward's best interests; (3) housing for the ward with consideration of the following: (A) the wishes of the ward; (B) the preferability of allowing the ward to retain local community ties; and (C) the requirement for services to be provided in the least restrictive setting; (4) personal care, educational and vocational services necessary for the physical and mental welfare of the ward and to return the ward to full capacity; (5) application for health and accident insurance and any other private or governmental benefits to which the ward may be entitled to meet any part of the costs of medical, mental health, or related services provided to the ward; (6) physical and mental examinations necessary to determine the ward's medical and mental health treatment needs; and (7) control of the estate and income of the ward to pay for the cost of services that the guardian is authorized to obtain on behalf of the ward. (c) The guardianship plan may not be more restrictive of the liberty of the ward than is reasonably necessary to protect the ward from serious physical injury, illness or disease and to provide the ward with medical care and mental health treatment for physical and mental health. The guardianship plan shall be designed to encourage a ward to participate in all decisions that affect the ward and to act on the ward's own behalf to the maximum extent possible. The court may not assign a duty or power to a guardian unless the need for it has been proven to the satisfaction of the court and no less restrictive alternative or combination of alternatives is sufficient to satisfy the need. (d) The duration of the term of guardianship shall be determined by the court order. Upon receipt of a report or other information that requires further consideration, the court may order a review hearing if it determines that the hearing is in the best interests of the ward. Sec. 13.26.270. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.530 .] Sec. 13.26.271. Guardianship implementation report. Within 90 days after distribution of the order of appointment as guardian, the guardian shall submit to the court a report. The report must describe the guardian's program for implementing the guardianship plan. The primary goal of the program described in the report must be, to the maximum extent possible, to develop or regain the ward's abilities to handle the ward's own affairs. The report must consider housing, medical care, and educational and vocational needs and resources. In developing the report, the guardian shall consult with the ward to the maximum extent possible. The report must specify the services that are necessary to meet the essential requirements for the ward's physical health or safety and the means for obtaining the services. The report must specify the manner in which the guardian will exercise and share decision-making authority and other items that will assist in fulfilling the needs of the ward, the terms of the guardianship order, and the duties of the guardian. Sec. 13.26.275. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.535 .] Sec. 13.26.276. Other reports. (a) A guardian shall submit a report to the court at least annually. In addition, every third year, the court shall appoint a visitor to file a report reviewing the guardianship during the period since the last visitor's report, if any. The guardian shall submit an additional report to the court when (1) the court orders it; (2) there is a significant change in the capacity of the ward to meet the essential requirements for health and safety or to protect the ward's rights; (3) the guardian resigns or is removed; (4) the guardianship is terminated; or (5) the ward requests it. (b) The report of the guardian must contain, but is not limited to, the following information: (1) the name and address of the ward and the guardian; (2) the ward's present mental, physical, and social conditions and present living arrangements and the ward's opinion of these arrangements; (3) changes in the capacity of the ward to meet essential requirements for physical health and safety; (4) the services being provided to the ward; (5) the significant actions taken by the guardian during the reporting period in regard to the ward; (6) a financial accounting of the estate that has been subject to the possession or control of the guardian; (7) a list of the number and nature of the contacts between the guardian and ward if the ward does not reside with the guardian; (8) any other information requested by the court or necessary or desirable in the opinion of the guardian. (c) The visitor report required by (a) of this section must include (1) the name and address of the ward and the guardian; (2) the services being provided to the ward by or through the guardian; (3) the significant actions taken by the guardian during the reporting period in regard to the ward; (4) a financial accounting of the estate that has been subject to the possession or control of the guardian; (5) a list of the number and nature of the contacts between the conservator and the ward if the ward does not reside with the guardian; (6) any other information requested by the court or necessary or desirable in the opinion of the visitor. Sec. 13.26.280. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.540 .] Sec. 13.26.281. Termination of guardianship for incapacitated person. (a) The authority and responsibility of a guardian for an incapacitated person terminates upon the death of the guardian or ward, the determination of incapacity of the guardian, the removal or resignation of the guardian as provided in AS 13.26.286 , or upon the expiration of the period specified by court order as the duration of the guardianship. Testamentary appointment under an informally probated will terminates if the will is later denied probate in a formal proceeding. Termination does not affect a guardian's liability for prior acts nor an obligation to account for assets of the ward over which the guardian exercised control. (b) Notwithstanding (a) of this section, if a deceased ward does not have a living family member or if an individual interested in the ward is not available, the guardian of a ward who dies may arrange for the body of the ward to be transported to a funeral home and may make funeral and burial arrangements for the deceased ward. The guardian may also apply for assistance with burial expenses from the state or a municipality if the estate of the ward does not have sufficient money to pay for burial. Sec. 13.26.285. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.545 .] Sec. 13.26.286. Removal or resignation of guardian; change in or termination of guardianship. (a) On petition of the ward, the guardian, or any person interested in the ward's welfare, or on the court's own motion, the court may (1) review and amend a decision of a guardian; or (2) if alternatives that are less restrictive than guardianship or less restrictive than the existing guardianship plan would assist the ward in meeting essential requirements for physical health and safety, modify the provisions of its order to (A) amend the guardianship plan or the responsibilities of the guardian; (B) remove a guardian and appoint a successor; or (C) terminate the guardianship. On petition of the guardian, the court may accept a resignation and make any other order that may be appropriate. (b) The ward, the guardian, or any person interested in the ward's welfare may petition for an order that the ward is no longer incapacitated or no longer incapacitated to the same extent as the ward was when the original guardianship order was made or when the court last amended the guardianship order, and for removal or resignation of the guardian, termination of the guardianship, or a change in the responsibilities of the guardian. A request for this order may be made by informal letter to the court or judge and any person who knowingly interferes with transmission of this kind of request to the court or judge may be held in contempt of court. (c) Before removing a guardian, changing the guardian's responsibilities, accepting the resignation of a guardian, or ordering that a ward's guardianship be changed or terminated, the court, following the same procedures to safeguard the rights of the ward as apply to a petition for appointment of a guardian and applying the least restrictive alternative necessary to meet the needs of the ward after consideration of alternatives to guardianship services, may send a visitor to the residence of the present guardian and to the place where the ward resides or is detained, to observe conditions and report in writing to the court. (d) If at any time the ward requests or indicates to the guardian or to the agency responsible for the ward's care or its employee that the ward desires a change in guardianship, the guardian or the agency providing care shall inform the court of the request or indication. (e) If the guardian dies, or if on the basis of a petition filed under this section or a report or other information, there is probable cause to believe a guardian is not performing the guardian's responsibilities effectively and there is an imminent danger that the physical health or safety of the ward will be seriously impaired, the court shall take whatever action is necessary to protect the ward, including the dismissal of the guardian and appointment of a temporary guardian without a hearing. Sec. 13.26.290. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.550 .] Sec. 13.26.291. Costs in guardianship proceedings. (a) Subject to (d) of this section, the Alaska Court System shall bear the costs of the visitor and expert appointed under AS 13.26.226 (c). (b) Subject to (c) and (d) of this section, the respondent shall bear the costs of the attorney appointed under AS 13.26.226 (b), of the expert appointed under AS 13.26.241 (d), of the guardian ad litem appointed under AS 13.26.041 , and of other court and guardianship costs incurred under this chapter. (c) The state shall pay all or part of the costs described in (b) of this section if the court finds that the payment is necessary to prevent the respondent from suffering financial hardship or from becoming dependent upon a government agency or a private person or agency. (d) The court may require the petitioner to pay all or some of the costs described in (a) and (b) of this section if the court finds that the petitioner initiated a proceeding under this chapter that was malicious, frivolous, or without just cause. Sec. 13.26.295. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.555 .] Sec. 13.26.296. Notices in guardianship proceedings. (a) In a proceeding for the appointment, change in responsibilities, or removal of a guardian, or termination of guardianship, other than the appointment of a temporary guardian or temporary suspension of a guardian, notice of hearing shall be given to each of the following: (1) the ward or respondent by the visitor as provided in AS 13.26.231 ; (2) any person who is serving as guardian or conservator of the ward or respondent, or who has care and custody of the ward or respondent; (3) in case a person is not notified under (4) of this subsection, at least one of the closest adult relatives of the ward or respondent, if any can be found; (4) the spouse, parents, and adult children of the ward or respondent; (5) any person who performed an evaluation for the visitor's report within the previous two years; (6) the ward's or respondent's attorney; and (7) the ward's or respondent's guardian ad litem if one has been appointed. (b) Notice shall be served personally, by certified mail, or by any other method authorized by court rule on the ward's or respondent's spouse and parents if they can be found within the state. Except as provided in (a)(1) of this section, notice to the spouse and parents, if they cannot be found within the state, and to all other persons shall be given as provided in AS 13.06.110 . (c) The notice must set out the date, time, place, purpose, and possible consequences of the hearing and the rights of the ward or respondent and any other parties to the proceedings. Sec. 13.26.300. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.560 .] Sec. 13.26.301. Temporary guardians; authorization of services. (a) If during the pendency of an initial petition for guardianship it appears that the respondent is in need of immediate services to protect the respondent against serious injury, illness, or disease and the respondent is not capable of procuring the necessary services, the petitioner may request the appointment of a temporary guardian to authorize the services. The request shall state the reasons and factual basis for the request. The petitioner shall immediately file the request with the court and serve copies on the respondent and the respondent's attorney. The court shall conduct a hearing within 72 hours after the filing. (b) At the temporary guardianship hearing, the respondent shall have the rights set out in AS 13.26.251 (a). (c) The burden of proof at the hearing shall be by clear and convincing evidence and shall be upon the petitioner. (d) If the court determines that a temporary guardian should be appointed, it shall make the appointment and grant to the guardian only the authority that is least restrictive upon the liberty of the respondent and that enables the temporary guardian to provide the emergency services necessary to protect the respondent from serious injury, illness, or disease. (e) The temporary guardianship shall expire at the time of the appointment of a full or partial guardian or upon the dismissal of the petition for guardianship. (f) If no guardianship petition is pending but the court is informed of a person who is apparently incapacitated and in need of emergency life-saving services, the court may authorize the services upon determining that delay until a guardianship hearing can be held would entail a life-threatening risk to the person. Sec. 13.26.305. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.565 .] Sec. 13.26.306. Emergency powers. Notwithstanding the limits of a temporary guardianship or guardianship order, a temporary guardian and guardian at all times have the right to authorize the provision of emergency life-saving services. This right includes the power to authorize hospitalization without advance court approval. Sec. 13.26.310. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.570 .] Sec. 13.26.311. Who may be guardian; priorities. (a) The court may appoint a competent person, including a private professional guardian, or the public guardian, as the guardian of an incapacitated person. (b) The court may not appoint a person to be a guardian of an incapacitated person if the person (1) provides, or is likely to provide during the guardianship period, substantial services to the incapacitated person in a professional or business capacity, other than in the capacity as guardian; (2) is, or is likely to become during the guardianship period, a creditor of the incapacitated person, other than in the capacity as guardian; (3) has, or is likely to have during the guardianship period, interests that may conflict with those of the incapacitated person; or (4) is employed by a person who would be disqualified under (1) — (3) of this subsection. (c) A person may be appointed as the guardian of an incapacitated person notwithstanding the provisions of (b) of this section if the person is the spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling of the incapacitated person and the court determines that the potential conflict of interest is insubstantial and that the appointment would clearly be in the best interests of the incapacitated person. When appointing a relative or friend of the incapacitated person as the guardian of an incapacitated person, the court shall require that the proposed guardian complete one hour of mandatory education on the basics of guardianship before the appointment or within 30 days after the appointment. (d) Subject to (e) and (f) of this section, qualified persons have priority for appointment as guardian in the following order: (1) an individual or organization nominated by the incapacitated person if, at the time of the nomination, the incapacitated person had, in the opinion of the court, sufficient mental capacity to make an informed choice; (2) the spouse of the incapacitated person; (3) an adult child or parent of the incapacitated person; (4) a relative of the incapacitated person with whom the incapacitated person has resided for more than six months during the year before the filing of the petition; (5) a relative or friend who has demonstrated a sincere, longstanding interest in the welfare of the incapacitated person; (6) a private professional guardian; (7) the public guardian. (e) When more than one person has equal priority under (d) of this section, the court shall select the person it considers to be the best qualified. (f) When in the best interest of the incapacitated person, a court may decline to appoint a person who has priority under (d) of this section as guardian of an incapacitated person and may appoint as guardian a person who has a lower priority than another person or who does not have a priority. If the court appoints a person with a lower priority under (d) of this section than another person, the court shall make appropriate written findings related to why the best interests of the respondent require appointment of the person with a lower priority. Sec. 13.26.315. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.575 .] Sec. 13.26.316. General powers and duties of guardian. (a) A guardian shall diligently and in good faith carry out the specific duties and powers assigned by the court. In carrying out duties and powers, the guardian shall encourage the ward to participate to the maximum extent of the ward's capacity in all decisions that affect the ward, to act on the ward's own behalf in all matters in which the ward is able, and to develop or regain, to the maximum extent possible, the capacity to meet the essential requirements for physical health or safety, to protect the ward's rights, and to manage the ward's financial resources. (b) A partial guardian of an incapacitated person has only the powers and duties respecting the ward enumerated in the court order. (c) A full guardian of an incapacitated person has the same powers and duties respecting the ward that a parent has respecting an unemancipated minor child except that the guardian is not liable for the care and maintenance of the ward and is not liable, solely by reason of the guardianship, to a person who is harmed by acts of the ward. Except as modified by order of the court, a full guardian's powers and duties include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) the guardian is entitled to custody of the person of the ward and shall assure that the ward has a place of abode in the least restrictive setting consistent with the essential requirements for the ward's physical health and safety; (2) the guardian shall assure the care, comfort, and maintenance of the ward; (3) the guardian shall assure that the ward receives the services necessary to meet the essential requirements for the ward's physical health and safety and to develop or regain, to the maximum extent possible, the capacity to meet the ward's needs for physical health and safety; (4) the guardian shall assure through the initiation of court action and other means that the ward enjoys all personal, civil, and human rights to which the ward is entitled; (5) the guardian may give consents or approvals necessary to enable the ward to receive medical or other professional care, counsel, treatment, or services except as otherwise limited by (e) of this section; (6) the guardian has the powers and duties of a conservator under this chapter; however, the guardian may not apply the ward's money or property for the services as guardian or for room and board that the guardian or the guardian's spouse, parent, or child has furnished the ward unless, before payment, the court finds that the ward is financially able to pay and that the charge is reasonable; notice of a request for payment approval shall be provided to at least one relative of the ward if possible; the guardian shall exercise care to conserve any excess money or property for the ward's needs; (7) if a conservator of the estate of the ward has also been appointed, the guardian shall pay all of the ward's estate received by the guardian to the conservator for management as provided in AS 13.26.401 — 13.26.575. (d) A guardian of a ward, for whom a conservator has also been appointed, shall have the custody and care of the ward and is entitled to receive reasonable sums for services and for room and board furnished to the ward as agreed upon between the guardian and the conservator. The guardian may request the conservator to expend the ward's estate for the ward's care and maintenance. (e) A guardian may not (1) place the ward in a facility or institution for the mentally ill other than through a formal commitment proceeding under AS 47.30 in which the ward has a separate guardian ad litem; (2) consent on behalf of the ward to an abortion, sterilization, psychosurgery, or removal of bodily organs except when necessary to preserve the life or prevent serious impairment of the physical health of the ward; (3) consent on behalf of the ward to the withholding of lifesaving medical procedures; however, a guardian is not required to oppose the cessation or withholding of lifesaving medical procedures when those procedures will serve only to prolong the dying process and offer no reasonable expectation of effecting a temporary or permanent cure of or relief from the illness or condition being treated unless the ward has clearly stated that lifesaving medical procedures not be withheld; a guardian is not civilly liable for acts or omissions under this paragraph unless the act or omission constitutes gross negligence or reckless or intentional misconduct; (4) consent on behalf of the ward to the performance of an experimental medical procedure or to participation in a medical experiment not intended to preserve the life or prevent serious impairment of the physical health of the ward; (5) consent on behalf of the ward to termination of the ward's parental rights; (6) prohibit the ward from registering to vote or from casting a ballot at public election; (7) prohibit the ward from applying for and obtaining a driver's license; (8) prohibit the marriage or divorce of the ward. Secs. 13.26.320 , 13.26.324. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.580 and 13.26.595.] Secs. 13.26.325 , 13.26.330. Death or disability. [Repealed, § 3 ch 109 SLA 1988.] Secs. 13.26.332 — 13.26.353. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.645 — 13.26.680.] Secs. 13.26.356 , 13.26.358. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.625 and 13.26.630.] Secs. 13.26.360 — 13.26.400. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.700 — 13.26.740.] Article 4. Protection of Property of Persons Under Disability and Minors. Sec. 13.26.401. Protective proceedings. Upon petition and after notice and hearing in accordance with the provisions of AS 13.26.401 — 13.26.575, the court may appoint a conservator or issue another protective order for cause as follows: (1) appointment of a conservator or other protective order may be made in relation to the estate and affairs of a minor if the court determines that (A) a minor owns money or property that requires management or protection that cannot otherwise be provided; (B) the minor has or may have business affairs that may be jeopardized or prevented by the status of being a minor; or (C) funds are needed for the minor's support and education and protection is necessary or desirable to obtain or provide funds; (2) appointment of a conservator or other protective order may be made in relation to the estate and affairs of a person if the court determines that (A) the person is unable to manage the person's property and affairs effectively for reasons such as mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, advanced age, chronic use of drugs, chronic intoxication, fraud, confinement, detention by a foreign power, or disappearance; and (B) the person has property that will be wasted or dissipated unless proper management is provided, or that funds are needed for the support, care, and welfare of the person or those entitled to be supported by the person and protection is necessary or desirable to obtain or provide funds. Sec. 13.26.406. Protective proceedings; jurisdiction of affairs of protected persons. Except as otherwise provided under AS 13.27.110 , after the service of notice in a proceeding seeking the appointment of a conservator or other protective order and until termination of the proceeding, the court in which the petition is filed has exclusive jurisdiction to determine (1) the need for a conservator or other protective order until the proceedings are terminated; and (2) how the estate of the protected person that is subject to the laws of this state shall be managed, expended, or distributed to or for the use of the protected person or any of the person's dependents. Sec. 13.26.410. [Renumbered as AS 13.26.750 .] Sec. 13.26.411. Venue. Venue for proceedings under AS 13.26.401 — 13.26.575 is (1) in the place in this state where the person to be protected resides whether or not a guardian has been appointed in another place; or (2) if the person to be protected does not reside in this state, in any place where the person has property. Sec. 13.26.415. Original petition for appointment or protective order. (a) The person to be protected, a person's attorney or other legal representative, any person who is interested in the estate, affairs, or welfare of the person to be protected, including a parent, guardian, custodian, or caregiver, the Department of Health, or any person who would be adversely affected by lack of effective management of the property and affairs of the person to be protected, may petition for the appointment of a conservator or for other appropriate protective order. (b) The petition must set out to the extent known, the interest of the petitioner; the name, age, residence and address of the person to be protected; the name and address of the person's guardian, if any; the name and address of the person's nearest relative known to the petitioner; a general statement of the person's property with an estimate of its value, including any compensation, insurance, pension or allowance to which the person is entitled; and the reason why appointment of a conservator or other protective order is necessary. If the appointment of a conservator is requested, the petition also must set out the name and address of the person whose appointment is sought and the basis of priority for appointment. (c) The petition may include a request for temporary conservatorship as provided in AS 13.26.445 if it appears that the respondent's property is likely to be wasted or dissipated during the pendency of the conservatorship proceeding. A request for temporary conservatorship must specify the facts that cause the petitioner to believe that a temporary conservatorship is necessary. Sec. 13.26.420. Notice. (a) On a petition for appointment of a conservator or other protective order, the person to be protected and the person's spouse or, if none, the person's parents, must be served personally, by certified mail, or by any other method authorized by court rule with notice of the proceedings at least 14 days before the date of hearing if they can be found within the state, or, if they cannot be found within the state, they must be given notice in accordance with AS 13.06.110 . Waiver by the person to be protected is not effective unless the person to be protected attends the hearing or, unless minority is the reason for the proceeding, waiver is confirmed in an interview with the visitor. (b) Notice of a petition for appointment of a conservator or other initial protective order, and of any subsequent hearing, must be given to any person who has filed a request for notice under AS 13.26.425 and to interested persons and other persons as the court may direct. Except as otherwise provided in (a) of this section, notice shall be given in accordance with AS 13.06.110 . (c) This section does not apply to a petition or order for an ex parte protective order filed under AS 13.26.450 or a temporary protective order filed under AS 13.26.455 . Sec. 13.26.425. Protective proceedings; request for notice; interested person. Any interested person who desires to be notified before any order is made in a protective proceeding may file with the registrar a request for notice subsequent to payment of any fee required by statute or court rule. The clerk shall mail a copy of the demand to the conservator if one has been appointed. A request is not effective unless it contains a statement showing the interest of the person making it and the person's address, or that of the person's attorney, and is effective only as to matters occurring after the filing. Any governmental agency paying or planning to pay benefits to the person to be protected is an interested person in protective proceedings. Sec. 13.26.430. Procedure concerning hearing and order on original petition. (a) Upon receipt of a petition for appointment of a conservator or other protective order because of minority, the court shall set a date for hearing on the matters alleged in the petition. If, at any time in the proceeding, the court determines that the interests of the minor are or may be inadequately represented, it may appoint an attorney to represent the minor, giving consideration to the choice of the minor if 14 years of age or older. A lawyer appointed by the court to represent a minor has the powers and duties of a guardian ad litem. (b) Upon receipt of a petition for appointment of a conservator or other protective order for reasons other than minority, the court shall set a date for hearing. Unless the person to be protected has counsel of the person's own choice, the court must appoint a lawyer to represent the person. If the alleged disability is mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, advanced age, chronic use of drugs, or chronic intoxication, the court may direct that the person to be protected be examined by a physician designated by the court, preferably a physician who is not connected with any institution in which the person is a patient or is detained. The court may send a visitor to interview the person to be protected. The visitor may be a guardian ad litem or an officer or employee of the court. (c) After hearing, upon finding that a basis for the appointment of a conservator or other protective order has been established, the court shall make an appointment or other appropriate protective order. (d) The court shall investigate alternatives to a conservator and the use of a special conservator as provided in AS 13.26.440 (c). A conservator may be appointed only if a less restrictive protective order or the services of a special conservator are not adequate to protect the estate of the protected person. The court shall, to the extent possible, consult with the protected person in determining what action should be taken. Sec. 13.26.435. Permissible court orders. The court has the following powers which may be exercised directly or through a conservator in respect to the estate and affairs of protected persons: (1) while a petition for appointment of a conservator or other protective order is pending and after preliminary hearing and without notice to others, the court has power to preserve and apply the property of the person to be protected as may be required for the person's benefit or the benefit of the person's dependents; (2) after hearing and upon determining that a basis for an appointment or other protective order exists with respect to a minor without other disability, the court has all those powers over the estate and affairs of the minor which are or might be necessary for the best interests of the minor, the minor's family and members of the minor's household; (3) after hearing and upon determining that a basis for an appointment or other protective order exists with respect to a person for reasons other than minority, the court has, for the benefit of the person and members of the person's household, all the powers over the person's estate and affairs which the person could exercise if present and not under disability, except the power to make a will; these powers include, but are not limited to, power to make gifts, to convey or release contingent and expectant interests in property including marital property rights and any right of survivorship incident to joint tenancy or tenancy by the entirety, to exercise or release powers as trustee, personal representative, custodian for minors, conservator, or donee of a power of appointment, to enter into contracts, to create revocable or irrevocable trusts of property of the estate which may extend beyond the person's disability or life, to exercise options of the disabled person to purchase securities or other property, to exercise rights to elect options and change beneficiaries under insurance and annuity policies and to surrender the policies for their cash value, to exercise the right to an elective share in the estate of a deceased spouse, and to renounce any interest by testate or intestate succession or by inter vivos transfer; (4) the court may exercise, or direct the exercise of its authority to exercise or release powers of appointment of which the protected person is donee, to renounce interests, to make gifts in trust or otherwise exceeding 20 percent of any year's income of the estate, or to change beneficiaries under insurance and annuity policies, only if satisfied, after notice and hearing, that it is in the best interests of the protected person, and that the protected person either is incapable of consenting or has consented to the proposed exercise of power; (5) an order made pursuant to this section determining that a basis for appointment of a conservator or other protective order exists, has no effect on the capacity of the protected person. Sec. 13.26.440. Protective arrangements and single transactions authorized. (a) If it is established in a proper proceeding that a basis exists as described in AS 13.26.401 for affecting the property and affairs of a person the court, without appointing a conservator, may authorize, direct, or ratify any transaction necessary or desirable to achieve any security, service, or care arrangement meeting the foreseeable needs of the protected person. Protective arrangements include, but are not limited to, payment, delivery, deposit, or retention of funds or property, sale, mortgage, lease, or other transfer of property, entry into an annuity contract, a contract for life care, a deposit contract, a contract for training and education, or addition to or establishment of a suitable trust. (b) When it has been established in a proper proceeding that a basis exists as described in AS 13.26.401 for affecting the property and affairs of a person the court, without appointing a conservator, may authorize, direct, or ratify any contract, trust, or other transaction relating to the protected person's financial affairs or involving the person's estate if the court determines that the transaction is in the best interests of the protected person. (c) Before approving a protective arrangement or other transaction under this section, the court shall consider the interests of creditors and dependents of the protected person and, in view of the protected person's disability, whether the protected person needs the continuing protection of a conservator. If only certain powers need be given to the conservator or the services of a conservator are needed only for a limited number of transactions, a special conservator may be appointed. The court may appoint a special conservator to assist in the accomplishment of any protective arrangement or other transaction authorized under this section who shall have the authority conferred by the order and serve until discharged by order after report to the court of all matters carried out under the order of appointment. Sec. 13.26.445. Temporary conservators. (a) If, during the pendency of an initial petition for conservatorship, it appears that the respondent is in need of a protective order to protect the respondent against waste or dissipation of funds or property, or to obtain funds that are needed for the immediate support, care, and welfare of the respondent or persons entitled to be supported by the respondent, and the respondent is not capable of protecting the respondent's funds or property or obtaining the funds that are needed to support the respondent or persons whom the respondent is required to support, the petitioner may request the appointment of a temporary conservator to authorize the protection or to obtain the necessary funds. The request must state the reasons and factual basis for the request. The petitioner shall immediately file the request with the court and serve copies on the respondent and the respondent's attorney and other persons as ordered by the court. The court shall appoint an attorney for a respondent who is unrepresented to be at the hearing and conduct a hearing within 72 hours after the filing. (b) If the court determines that a temporary conservator should be appointed, it shall make the appointment and grant to the temporary conservator only the authority that is least restrictive upon the liberty of the respondent and that enables the temporary conservator to provide the protection or authority necessary to protect the respondent from waste or dissipation of funds or property or to obtain the funds necessary for support. (c) The temporary conservatorship expires at the time of the appointment of a full or partial conservator or on the dismissal of the petition for conservatorship. Sec. 13.26.450. Ex parte protective orders. (a) A person who is allowed to file a petition for a protective order under AS 13.26.415 (a) may file a petition for an ex parte protective order against a person other than the protected person. A petition filed on behalf of a protected person by a person other than the protected person must be accompanied by proof of service of the petition on the protected person or the person's attorney unless service would cause an immediate threat of harm to the best interests of the protected person and the petition includes a written explanation of the harm. If the court finds that the petition establishes probable cause that the respondent is financially defrauding the petitioner or a person for whose benefit the petitioner filed the petition and that, because of the fraud, there has been or is an immediate threat of a waste or dissipation of the proposed protected person's funds or other property, the court shall ex parte and without notice to the respondent issue a protective order. The petitioner shall certify to the court in writing any effort that the petitioner made to provide notice to the respondent. (b) An ex parte protective order under this section may (1) grant any protection described in AS 13.26.435 ; (2) supersede an existing power of attorney; (3) prohibit the respondent from having any direct or indirect contact with the petitioner or other person for whose benefit the petitioner filed the petition; and (4) prohibit the respondent from taking any act with respect to the funds or other property of the petitioner or other person for whose benefit the petitioner filed the petition. (c) An ex parte protective order expires 20 days after it is issued, unless dissolved earlier by the court at the request of the petitioner or respondent and after notice and, if requested, a hearing, or on the earlier appointment of a temporary or permanent conservator. Sec. 13.26.455. Temporary protective orders; conversions. On application filed with the court before the expiration of a 20-day ex parte protective order issued under AS 13.26.450 , the court shall schedule a hearing on whether to convert the protective order to a temporary order effective for up to six months. The court shall provide to the protected person and the respondent at least 10 days' notice of the hearing and the respondent's right to appear and be heard. If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent has committed fraud against the petitioner or the person for whose benefit the petition was filed, regardless of whether the respondent appears at the hearing, the court may convert the ex parte protective order to a temporary protective order effective for up to six months. Sec. 13.26.460. Protective orders; modification; third-party compliance; forms; fees. (a) The petitioner, respondent, or protected person, if the protected person is a vulnerable adult, may request modification of a protective order issued under AS 13.26.450 — 13.26.460. Except as provided in (b) of this section, if a request is made for modification of (1) an ex parte protective order issued under AS 13.26.450 , the court shall schedule a hearing on three days' notice or on shorter notice as the court may prescribe; or (2) a temporary protective order, after notice and hearing under AS 13.26.455 , the court shall schedule a hearing within 20 days after the date the request is made, except that, if the court finds that the request is meritless on its face, the court may deny the request without a hearing. (b) If a request for a modification is made under this section and the respondent raises an issue not raised by the petitioner, the court may allow the petitioner additional time to respond. (c) If the court modifies a protective order, the court shall issue a modified order and shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the order is understood by the petitioner, the respondent, and the protected person who are present at the hearing. (d) The court shall cause a copy of a protective order, any related orders, and a scheduling order, if any, to be served on the respondent and the protected person and have a protective order and any related order delivered to the appropriate local law enforcement agency for expedited entry in the central registry under AS 18.65.540 . (e) A protective order issued under AS 13.26.450 — 13.26.460 is in addition to any other civil or criminal remedy. (f) A third party that has received actual or legal notice of a protective order issued under AS 13.26.450 — 13.26.460 shall comply with the order. A third party who does not comply with a protective order granted under AS 13.26.450 — 13.26.460 may be liable in a civil action to the protected person or the protected person's heirs, assigns, or estate for a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000, plus the actual damages, costs, and fees associated with the failure to comply with the protective order. A third party who does not comply with a protective order granted under AS 13.26.450 — 13.26.460 may also be criminally liable under AS 11.56.740 for violating a protective order. As used in this section, “actual or legal notice” means delivery by mail or facsimile at the most recently known place of residence or business of the third party. (g) The Alaska Court System, after consulting with the Department of Health, the office of public advocacy, the office of elder fraud and assistance, the long term care ombudsman, and other interested persons and organizations, shall prepare forms for petitions and protective orders and instructions for use of the forms by a person seeking a protective order under AS 13.26.450 — 13.26.460. The forms must conform to the Alaska Rules of Probate Procedure and Alaska Rules of Civil Procedure, except that information on the forms may be filled in by legible handwriting. The office of the clerk of each superior and district court shall make available to the public the forms a person seeking a protective order may need and instructions for the use of the forms. The clerk shall provide assistance in completing and filing the forms. (h) Filing fees may not be charged for a petition under AS 13.26.450 , for an application under AS 13.26.455 , or for a request for modification of a protective order under AS 13.26.460 (a). Sec. 13.26.465. Who may be appointed conservator; priorities. (a) The court may appoint a competent person, including a private professional conservator, private professional full guardian under AS 08.26.020 , or the public guardian, as the conservator of the estate of a protected person.

(b) The court may not appoint a person to be a conservator of a protected person if the person (1) provides, or is likely to provide during the conservatorship, substantial services to the protected person in a professional or business capacity, other than in the capacity of conservator; (2) is or is likely to become, during the conservatorship, a creditor of the protected person, other than in the capacity of conservator; (3) is likely to have, during the conservatorship, interests that may conflict with those of the protected person; or (4) is employed by a person who would be disqualified under (1) — (3) of this subsection. (c) A person may be appointed as the conservator of a protected person even if (b) of this section applies if the person is the spouse, adult child, parent, or sibling of the protected person and if the court determines that the potential conflict of interest is not substantial and that the appointment would clearly be in the best interests of the protected person. (d) Subject to (e) and (f) of this section, qualified persons have priority for appointment in the following order: (1) an individual or qualified conservator nominated by the protected person if the protected person is 14 or more years of age and had, in the opinion of the court, sufficient mental capacity to make an informed choice; (2) the spouse of the protected person; (3) an adult child or a parent of the protected person; (4) a relative of the protected person with whom the protected person has resided for more than six months during the year before the filing of the petition; (5) a relative or friend of the protected person who has demonstrated a sincere and longstanding interest in the welfare of the protected person; (6) a private professional conservator; (7) the public guardian. (e) When more than one person has equal priority under (d) of this section, the court shall select the person it considers to be the best qualified. (f) When in the best interest of the protected person, a court may decline to appoint a person who has priority under (d) of this section as conservator of the protected person and may appoint as conservator a person who has a lower priority than another person or who does not have a priority. If the court appoints a person with a lower priority under (d) of this section than another person, the court shall make appropriate written findings related to why the best interests of the respondent require appointment of the person with a lower priority. (g) In addition to any other requirement of this section, when appointing a relative or friend of the protected person as the conservator of the protected person, the court shall require that the proposed conservator complete one hour of mandatory education on the basics of conservatorship before the appointment or within 30 days after the appointment. If the person is appointed based on the person's agreement to complete the mandatory education and the person fails to complete the mandatory education within the 30 days, the court shall remove the conservator and appoint a successor. Sec. 13.26.470. Bond. (a) The court may require a conservator to furnish a bond conditioned upon faithful discharge of all duties of the trust according to law, with sureties as it shall specify. Unless otherwise directed, the bond shall be in the amount of the aggregate capital value of the property of the estate in the conservator's control plus one year's estimated income minus the value of securities deposited under arrangements requiring an order of the court for their removal and the value of any land which the fiduciary, by express limitation of power, lacks power to sell or convey without court authorization. The court in place of sureties on a bond, may accept other security for the performance of the bond, including a pledge of securities or a mortgage of land. (b) If the public guardian is appointed as a conservator, the court may not require a bond under this section. (c) If the court requires a conservator to provide a bond under this section and the conservator is financially unable to provide the bond, the court may order the cost of the bond to be paid from court funds. Sec. 13.26.475. Terms and requirements of bonds. (a) The following requirements and provisions apply to any bond required under AS 13.26.470 : (1) unless otherwise provided by the terms of the approved bond, sureties are jointly and severally liable with the conservator and with each other; (2) by executing an approved bond of a conservator, the surety consents to the jurisdiction of the court which issued letters to the primary obligor in any proceeding pertaining to the fiduciary duties of the conservator and naming the surety as a party defendant; notice of any proceeding shall be delivered to the surety or mailed by registered or certified mail to the surety at the address as listed with the court where the bond is filed and to the surety's address as then known to the petitioner; (3) on petition of a successor conservator or any interested person, a proceeding may be initiated against a surety for breach of the obligation of the bond of the conservator; (4) the bond of the conservator is not void after the first recovery but may be proceeded against from time to time until the whole penalty is exhausted. (b) A proceeding may not be commenced against the surety on any matter as to which an action or proceeding against the primary obligor is barred by adjudication or limitation. Sec. 13.26.480. Acceptance of appointment; consent to jurisdiction; notice. By accepting appointment, a conservator submits personally to the jurisdiction of the court in any proceeding relating to the estate that may be instituted by any interested person. Notice of any proceeding shall be delivered to the conservator, or mailed by registered or certified mail to the conservator at the address as listed in the petition for appointment or as thereafter reported to the court and to the conservator's address as then known to the petitioner. Sec. 13.26.485. Compensation and expenses. If not otherwise compensated for services rendered, any visitor, lawyer, physician, conservator, or special conservator appointed in a protective proceeding is entitled to reasonable compensation from the estate. Sec. 13.26.490. Death, resignation, or removal of conservator. The court may remove a conservator for good cause, upon notice and hearing, or accept the resignation of a conservator. After death, resignation, or removal, the court may appoint another conservator. A conservator so appointed succeeds to the title and powers of the conservator's predecessor. Sec. 13.26.495. Petitions for orders subsequent to appointment. (a) Any person interested in the welfare of a person for whom a conservator has been appointed may file a petition in the appointing court for an order (1) requiring bond or security or additional bond or security, or reducing bond; (2) requiring an accounting for the administration of the trust; (3) directing distribution; (4) removing the conservator and appointing a temporary or successor conservator; or (5) granting other appropriate relief. (b) A conservator may petition the appointing court for instructions concerning the fiduciary responsibility of the conservator. (c) Upon notice and hearing, the court may give appropriate instructions or make any appropriate order. Sec. 13.26.500. General duty of conservator. In the exercise of powers, a conservator shall act as fiduciary and shall observe the standards of care applicable to trustees under AS 13.36.225 — 13.36.290. Sec. 13.26.505. Inventory, implementation report, and records. Within 90 days after distribution of the order of appointment, every conservator shall prepare and file with the appointing court a conservator implementation report and a complete inventory of the estate of the protected person together with an oath or affirmation that it is complete and accurate so far as the conservator is informed. The conservator shall provide a copy of it to the protected person if the protected person can be located, has attained the age of 14 years, and has sufficient mental capacity to understand these matters, and to any parent or guardian with whom the protected person resides. The conservator shall keep suitable records of the administration and exhibit them on request of any interested person. Sec. 13.26.510. Accounts. A conservator shall submit a report to the court at least every year. In addition, a conservator shall account to the court for administration of the trust upon resignation or removal and at other times as the court may direct. On termination of the protected person's minority or disability, a conservator may account to the court or to the former protected person or the protected person's personal representative. Subject to appeal or vacation within the time permitted, an order, made upon notice and hearing, allowing an intermediate account of a conservator, adjudicates as to the conservator's liabilities concerning the matters considered in connection with it; and an order, made upon notice and hearing, allowing a final account, adjudicates as to all previously unsettled liabilities of the conservator to the protected person or the protected person's successors relating to the conservatorship. In connection with any account, the court may require a conservator to submit to a physical check of the estate in the conservator's control, to be made in any manner the court may specify. Sec. 13.26.515. Visitor reports. (a) The initial visitor report of a visitor appointed under AS 13.26.430 (b) must include (1) the results and analyses of medical and other tests and examinations performed that describe the proposed protected person's mental, emotional, physical, and educational condition, adaptive behavior, and social skills, and that specify the data on which the description is based; (2) recommendations regarding the types and extent of assistance, if any, necessary to meet the essential requirements for managing the property and affairs of the proposed protected person; (3) an evaluation of the proposed protected person's need for mental health treatment and whether there is a substantial probability that available treatment will significantly improve the proposed protected person's mental condition; (4) an evaluation of the proposed protected person's need for educational or vocational assistance and whether the assistance can be made available to the protected person; (5) an evaluation of the probability that the incapacity may significantly lessen, and the type of services or treatment that will facilitate improvement in the condition or skills of the proposed protected person; (6) a list of the names and addresses of all individuals who examined, interviewed, or investigated the proposed protected person, and the names and addresses of all persons contacted in preparation of the visitor report; (7) a summary of the information that (A) was supplied by the person described in (6) of this subsection; and (B) supports the conclusions of the visitor report; (8) a description of the alternatives to conservatorship that were considered and not recommended and an explanation of why they are not feasible to meet the needs of the proposed protected person; (9) a specification of the financial resources of the proposed protected person, the proposed protected person's entitlements to insurance benefits, and publicly operated or sponsored health, mental health, and welfare assistance that might be employed in the provision of services to the proposed protected person; and (10) if conservatorship is recommended, a conservatorship outline that identifies (A) potential conservators; (B) the specific services necessary and available to protect the proposed protected person from serious damage to the proposed protected person's property and affairs; (C) the means by which the services described in (B) of this paragraph may be financed; (D) the specific, least restrictive authority needed by the conservator to provide the services described in (B) of this paragraph. (b) In addition to any initial visitor report provided under (a) of this section, every third year, the court may appoint a visitor to file a report reviewing the conservatorship during the period since the last visitor report, if any. (c) In addition to the reports under (a) and (b) of this section, at any time during a conservatorship, a court may appoint a visitor to file a report reviewing the conservatorship during the period since the last visitor report, if any. (d) A visitor report provided under (b) or (c) of this section must include (1) the name and address of the protected person and the conservator; (2) the services being provided to the protected person by or through the conservator; (3) the significant actions taken by the conservator during the reporting period in regard to the protected person; (4) a financial accounting of the estate that has been subject to the possession or control of the conservator; (5) a list of the number and nature of the contacts between the conservator and the protected person if the protected person does not reside with the conservator; (6) any other information requested by the court or necessary or desirable in the opinion of the visitor. Sec. 13.26.520. Conservators; title by appointment. The appointment of a conservator vests in the conservator title as trustee to all property of the protected person, presently held or thereafter acquired, including title to any property theretofore held for the protected person by custodians or attorneys-in-fact. The appointment of a conservator is not a transfer or alienation within the meaning of general provisions of any federal or state statute or regulation, insurance policy, pension plan, contract, will or trust instrument, imposing restrictions upon or penalties for transfer or alienation by the protected person of any rights or interest, but this section does not restrict the ability of persons to make specific provision by contract or dispositive instrument relating to a conservator. Sec. 13.26.525. Recording of conservator's letters. Letters of conservatorship are evidence of transfer of all assets of a protected person to the conservator. An order terminating a conservatorship is evidence of transfer of all assets of the estate from the conservator to the protected person, or the protected person's successors. Subject to the requirements of general statutes governing the recordation of documents of title to land or other property, letters of conservatorship, and orders terminating conservatorships, may be recorded to give record notice of title as between the conservator and the protected person. Sec. 13.26.530. Sale, encumbrance, or transaction involving conflict of interest voidable. Any sale or encumbrance to a conservator, the conservator's spouse, agent, or attorney, or any corporation or trust in which the conservator has a substantial beneficial interest, or any transaction which is affected by a substantial conflict of interest is voidable unless the transaction is approved by the court after notice to interested persons and others as directed by the court. Sec. 13.26.535. Persons dealing with conservators; protection. A person who in good faith either assists a conservator or deals with the conservator for value in any transaction other than those requiring a court order as provided in AS 13.26.435 , is protected as if the conservator properly exercised the power. The fact that a person knowingly deals with a conservator does not alone require the person to inquire into the existence of a power or the propriety of its exercise, except that restrictions on powers of conservators which are endorsed on letters as provided in AS 13.26.550 are effective as to third persons. A person is not bound to see to the proper application of estate assets paid or delivered to a conservator. The protection here expressed extends to instances in which some procedural irregularity or jurisdictional defect occurred in proceedings leading to the issuance of letters. The protection here expressed is not by substitution for that provided by comparable provisions of the laws relating to commercial transactions and laws simplifying transfers of securities by fiduciaries. Sec. 13.26.540. Powers of conservator in administration. (a) A conservator has all of the powers conferred herein and any additional powers conferred by law on trustees in this state. In addition, a conservator of the estate of an unmarried minor, as to whom no one has parental rights, has the duties and powers of a guardian of a minor described in AS 13.26.167 until the minor attains the age of 18 or marries, but the parental rights so conferred on a conservator do not preclude appointment of a guardian as provided by AS 13.26.101 — 13.26.186. (b) A conservator has power without court authorization or confirmation, to invest and reinvest funds of the estate as would a trustee. (c) A conservator, acting reasonably in efforts to accomplish the purpose for which the conservator was appointed, may act, without court authorization or confirmation, to (1) collect, hold and retain assets of the estate including land in another state, until, in the conservator's judgment, disposition of the assets should be made, and the assets may be retained even though they include an asset in which the conservator is personally interested; (2) receive additions to the estate; (3) continue or participate in the operation of any business or other enterprise; (4) acquire an undivided interest in an estate asset in which the conservator, in any fiduciary capacity, holds an undivided interest; (5) invest and reinvest estate assets in accordance with (b) of this section; (6) deposit estate funds in a bank including a bank operated by the conservator; (7) acquire or dispose of an estate asset including land in another state for cash or on credit, at public or private sale; and to manage, develop, improve, exchange, partition, change the character of, or abandon an estate asset; (8) make ordinary or extraordinary repairs or alterations in buildings or other structures, to demolish any improvements, to raze existing or erect new party walls or buildings; (9) subdivide, develop, or dedicate land to public use; to make or obtain the vacation of plats and adjust boundaries; to adjust differences in valuation on exchange or to partition by giving or receiving considerations; and to dedicate easements to public use without consideration; (10) enter for any purpose into a lease as lessor or lessee with or without option to purchase or renew for a term within or extending beyond the term of the conservatorship; (11) enter into a lease or arrangement for exploration and removal of minerals or other natural resources or enter into a pooling or unitization agreement; (12) grant an option involving disposition of an estate asset, to take an option for the acquisition of any asset; (13) vote a security, in person or by general or limited proxy; (14) pay calls, assessments, and any other sums chargeable or accruing against or on account of securities; (15) sell or exercise stock subscription or conversion rights; to consent, directly or through a committee or other agent, to the reorganization, consolidation, merger, dissolution, or liquidation of a corporation or other business enterprise; (16) hold a security in the name of a nominee or in other form without disclosure of the conservatorship so that title to the security may pass by delivery, but the conservator is liable for any act of the nominee in connection with the stock so held; (17) insure the assets of the estate against damage or loss, and the conservator against liability with respect to third persons; (18) borrow money to be repaid from estate assets or otherwise; to advance money for the protection of the estate or the protected person, and for all expenses, losses, and liability sustained in the administration of the estate or because of the holding or ownership of any estate assets, and the conservator has a lien on the estate as against the protected person from advances so made; (19) pay or contest any claim; to settle a claim by or against the estate or the protected person by compromise, arbitration, or otherwise; and to release, in whole or in part, any claim belonging to the estate to the extent that the claim is uncollectible; (20) pay taxes, assessments, compensation of the conservator, and other expenses incurred in the collection, care, administration, and protection of the estate; (21) allocate items of income or expense to either estate income or principal, as provided by law, including creation of reserves out of income for depreciation, obsolescence, or amortization, or for depletion in mineral or timber properties; (22) pay any sum distributable to a protected person or the protected person's dependent, without liability to the conservator, by paying the sum to the distributee or by paying the sum for the use of the distributee either to the distributee's guardian or if none, to a relative or other person with custody of the distributee's person; (23) employ persons, including attorneys, auditors, investment advisors, or agents, even though they are associated with the conservator to advise or assist the conservator in the performance of administrative duties; to act upon their recommendation without independent investigation; and instead of acting personally, to employ one or more agents to perform any act of administration, whether or not discretionary; (24) prosecute or defend actions, claims or proceedings in any jurisdiction for the protection of estate assets and of the conservator in the performance of duties; and (25) execute and deliver all instruments which will accomplish or facilitate the exercise of the powers vested in the conservator. Sec. 13.26.545. Distributive duties and powers of conservator. (a) A conservator may expend or distribute income or principal of the estate without court authorization or confirmation for the support, education, care, or benefit of the protected person and the protected person's dependents in accordance with the following principles: (1) the conservator is to consider recommendations relating to the appropriate standard of support, education, and benefit for the protected person made by a parent or guardian, if any; the conservator may not be surcharged for sums paid to persons or organizations actually furnishing support, education, or care to the protected person pursuant to the recommendations of a parent or guardian of the protected person unless the conservator knows that the parent or guardian is deriving personal financial benefit therefrom, including relief from any personal duty of support, or unless the recommendations are clearly not in the best interests of the protected person; (2) the conservator is to expend or distribute sums reasonably necessary for the support, education, care, or benefit of the protected person with due regard to (A) the size of the estate, the probable duration of the conservatorship, and the likelihood that the protected person, at some future time, may be fully able to manage the protected person's affairs and the estate which has been conserved; (B) the accustomed standard of living of the protected person and members of the protected person's household; (C) other funds or sources used for the support of the protected person; (3) the conservator may expend funds of the estate for the support of persons legally dependent on the protected person and others who are members of the protected person's household who are unable to support themselves and who are in need of support; (4) funds expended under this subsection may be paid by the conservator to any person, including the protected person to reimburse for expenditures which the conservator might have made, or in advance for services to be rendered to the protected person when it is reasonable to expect that they will be performed and where advance payments are customary or reasonably necessary under the circumstances. (b) If the estate is ample to provide for the purposes implicit in the distributions authorized by (a) of this section, a conservator for a protected person other than a minor has power to make gifts to charity and other objects as the protected person might have been expected to make, in amounts which do not exceed in total for any year 20 percent of the income from the estate. (c) When a minor who has not been adjudged disabled under AS 13.26.401 (2) attains majority, the conservator, after meeting all prior claims and expenses of administration, shall pay over and distribute all funds and properties to the former protected person as soon as possible. (d) When the conservator is satisfied that a protected person's disability (other than minority) has ceased, the conservator, after meeting all prior claims and expenses of administration, shall pay over and distribute all funds and properties to the formerly protected person as soon as possible. (e) If a protected person dies, the conservator shall deliver to the court for safekeeping any will of the deceased protected person that may have come into the conservator's possession and inform the executor or a beneficiary named in the will that the will has been so delivered. Once a conservator knows that the protected person has died, the conservator may not exercise authority over the protected person's affairs and estate except to pay reasonable burial expenses and to preserve, account for, and transfer control of assets to a personal representative, a temporary property custodian appointed by the court, or a person authorized to take custody of personal property by affidavit under AS 13.16.680 . If, after 40 days from the death of the protected person, no other person has been appointed personal representative and no application or petition for appointment is before the court, the conservator may apply to exercise the powers and duties of a personal representative in order to proceed with administering and distributing the decedent's estate without additional or further appointment. Upon application for an order granting the powers of a personal representative to a conservator, after notice to any person demanding notice under AS 13.16.070 and to any person nominated executor in any will of which the applicant is aware, the court may order the conferral of the power upon determining that there is no objection, and endorse the letters of the conservator to note that the formerly protected person is deceased and that the conservator has acquired all of the powers and duties of a personal representative. The making and entry of an order under this section has the effect of an order of appointment of a personal representative as provided in AS 13.16.115 and 13.16.245 — 13.16.655 except that estate in the name of the conservator, after administration, may be distributed to the decedent's successors without prior retransfer to the conservator as personal representative. Sec. 13.26.550. Enlargement or limitation of powers of conservator. Subject to the restrictions in AS 13.26.435 (4), the court may confer on a conservator at the time of appointment or later, in addition to the powers conferred by AS 13.26.540 and 13.26.545, any power which the court itself could exercise under AS 13.26.435 (2) and (3). The court may, at the time of appointment or later, limit the powers of a conservator otherwise conferred by AS 13.26.540 and 13.26.545 or previously conferred by the court, and may at any time relieve the conservator of any limitation. If the court limits any power conferred on the conservator by AS 13.26.540 and 13.26.545, the limitation shall be endorsed upon the letters of appointment. Sec. 13.26.555. Preservation of estate plan. In investing the estate, and in selecting assets of the estate for distribution under AS 13.26.545 (a) and (b), in utilizing powers of revocation or withdrawal available for the support of the protected person, and exercisable by the conservator or the court, the conservator and the court should take into account any known estate plan of the protected person, including a will, any revocable trust of which the protected person is settlor, and any contract, transfer, or joint ownership arrangement with provisions for payment or transfer of benefits or interests at death to another or others which the protected person may have originated. The conservator may examine the will of the protected person. Sec. 13.26.560. Claims against estate and protected person; enforcement. (a) Subject to AS 13.26.545 (e), a conservator shall pay from the estate all just claims against the estate and against the protected person arising before or after the conservatorship was established upon their presentation and allowance. A claim is considered presented on the first to occur of receipt of the written statement of claim by the conservator or the filing of the claim with the court. A presented claim is allowed if it is not disallowed by written statement mailed by the conservator to the claimant within 60 days after its presentation. The presentation of a claim tolls any statute of limitations relating to the claim until 30 days after its disallowance. A claim may be presented by either of the following methods: (1) the claimant may deliver or mail to the conservator a written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed; (2) the claimant may file a written statement of the claim, in the form prescribed by rule, with the clerk of the court and deliver or mail a copy of the statement to the conservator. (b) A claimant whose claim has not been paid may petition the court for determination of the claim at any time before it is barred by the applicable statute of limitation, and, upon due proof, procure an order for its allowance and payment from the estate. If a proceeding is pending against a protected person at the time of appointment of a conservator or is initiated against the protected person thereafter, the moving party must give notice of the proceeding to the conservator if the outcome is to constitute a claim against the estate. (c) If it appears that the estate in a conservatorship is likely to be exhausted before all existing claims are paid, preference is to be given to prior claims for the care, maintenance, and education of the protected person or the protected person's dependents and existing claims for expenses of administration. Sec. 13.26.565. Individual liability of conservator. (a) Unless otherwise provided in the contract, a conservator is not individually liable on a contract properly entered into in a fiduciary capacity in the course of administration of the estate unless the conservator fails to reveal the representative capacity and identify the estate in the contract. (b) The conservator is individually liable for obligations arising from ownership or control of property of the estate or for torts committed in the course of administration of the estate only if personally at fault. (c) Claims based on contracts entered into by a conservator in a fiduciary capacity, on obligations arising from ownership or control of the estate, or on torts committed in the course of administration of the estate may be asserted against the estate by proceeding against the conservator in the fiduciary capacity, whether or not the conservator is individually liable for them. (d) Any question of liability between the estate and the conservator individually may be determined in a proceeding for accounting, surcharge, or indemnification, or other appropriate proceeding or action. Sec. 13.26.570. Termination of proceeding. The protected person, the protected person's personal representative, the conservator, or any other interested person may petition the court to terminate the conservatorship. A protected person seeking termination is entitled to the same rights and procedures as in an original proceeding for a protective order. The court, upon determining after notice and hearing that the minority or disability of the protected person has ceased, may terminate the conservatorship. Upon termination, title to assets of the estate passes to the former protected person or to the person's successors subject to provision in the order for expenses of administration or to conveyances from the conservator to the former protected person or the person's successors, to evidence the transfer. Sec. 13.26.575. Payment of debt and delivery of property to foreign conservator without local proceedings. (a) Any person indebted to a protected person, or having possession of property or of an instrument evidencing a debt, stock, or chose in action belonging to a protected person may pay or deliver to a conservator, guardian of the estate, or other like fiduciary appointed by a court of the state of residence of the protected person, upon being presented with proof of the fiduciary's appointment and an affidavit made by the fiduciary or on the fiduciary's behalf stating: (1) that no protective proceeding relating to the protected person is pending in this state; and (2) that the foreign conservator is entitled to payment or to receive delivery. (b) If the person to whom the affidavit is presented is not aware of any protective proceeding pending in this state, payment or delivery in response to the demand and affidavit discharges the debtor or possessor. Sec. 13.26.580. Foreign conservators. If no local conservator has been appointed and no petition in a protective proceeding is pending in this state, a domiciliary foreign conservator may file with a court in this state in a judicial district in which property belonging to the protected person is located, authenticated copies of appointment and of any official bond given. Thereafter, the domiciliary foreign conservator may exercise as to assets in this state all powers of a local conservator and may maintain actions and proceedings in this state subject to any conditions imposed upon nonresident parties generally. Sec. 13.26.595. Definitions. In AS 13.26.401 — 13.26.595, unless the context requires otherwise, “fraud” means (1) robbery, extortion, and coercion under AS 11.41.500 — 11.41.530; (2) offenses against property under AS 11.46.100 — 11.46.740; or (3) exploitation of another person or another person's resources for personal profit or advantage if no significant benefit accrues to the person who is exploited. Article 5. Powers of Attorney. Sec. 13.26.600. Execution of power of attorney. (a) A power of attorney executed in this state is valid if the principal (1) signs the power of attorney or, if the principal is physically unable to sign the power of attorney, directs, in the principal's conscious presence, another individual to sign the principal's name on the power of attorney; and (2) acknowledges the signature before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments. (b) Notwithstanding AS 44.50.062 (5)(A), a notary public may consider that the principal has signed a power of attorney if the principal is physically unable to sign the power of attorney, and, in the presence of the notary public, directs another individual to sign under (a)(1) of this section. Sec. 13.26.605. Agent's acceptance and liability. (a) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, a person accepts appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority or performing duties as an agent or by any other assertion or conduct indicating acceptance. (b) An agent that violates a provision in AS 13.26.600 — 13.26.695 is liable to the principal or the principal's successors in interest for the amount required to (1) restore the value of the principal's property to what it would have been had the violation not occurred; and (2) reimburse the principal or the principal's successors in interest for the attorney fees and costs paid on the agent's behalf. Sec. 13.26.610. Agent's duties. (a) Notwithstanding provisions in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall (1) act in accordance with the principal's reasonable expectations to the extent actually known by the agent and, otherwise, in the principal's best interest; (2) act in good faith; and (3) act only within the scope of authority granted in the power of attorney. (b) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, an agent that has accepted appointment shall (1) act loyally for the principal's benefit; (2) act so as not to create a conflict of interest that impairs the agent's ability to act impartially in the principal's best interest; (3) act with the care, competence, and diligence ordinarily exercised by agents in similar circumstances; (4) keep a record of all receipts, disbursements, and transactions made on behalf of the principal; (5) cooperate with a person that has authority to make health care decisions for the principal to carry out the principal's reasonable expectations to the extent actually known by the agent and otherwise act in the principal's best interest; and (6) attempt to preserve the principal's estate plan, to the extent actually known by the agent, if preserving the plan is consistent with the principal's best interest based on all relevant factors, including (A) the value and nature of the principal's property; (B) the principal's foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance; (C) minimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes; and (D) eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation. (c) An agent that acts in good faith is not liable to any beneficiary of the principal's estate plan for failure to preserve the plan. (d) An agent that acts with care, competence, and diligence for the best interest of the principal is not liable solely because the agent also benefits from the act or has an individual or conflicting interest in relation to the property or affairs of the principal. (e) If an agent is selected by the principal because of special skills or expertise possessed by the agent or in reliance on the agent's representation that the agent has special skills or expertise, the special skills or expertise must be considered in determining whether the agent has acted with care, competence, and diligence under the circumstances. (f) Absent a breach of duty to the principal, an agent is not liable if the value of the principal's property declines. (g) An agent that exercises authority to delegate to another person the authority granted by the principal or that engages another person on behalf of the principal is not liable for an act, error of judgment, or default of that person if the agent exercises care, competence, and diligence in selecting and monitoring the person. (h) Except as otherwise provided in the power of attorney, an agent is not required to disclose receipts, disbursements, or transactions conducted on behalf of the principal unless ordered by a court or requested by the principal, a guardian, a conservator, another fiduciary acting for the principal, a governmental agency having authority to protect the welfare of the principal, or, upon the death of the principal, the personal representative or successor in interest of the principal's estate. If so requested, within 30 days, the agent shall comply with the request or provide a writing or other record substantiating why additional time is needed and shall comply with the request within an additional 30 days. Sec. 13.26.615. Acceptance of power of attorney. (a) A third party asked to accept a power of attorney may request, and rely upon, without further investigation (1) an agent's certification under penalty of perjury of any factual matter concerning the principal, agent, or power of attorney; (2) an English translation of the power of attorney if the power of attorney contains, in whole or in part, a language other than English; and (3) an opinion of counsel as to any matter of law concerning the power of attorney if the person making the request provides in a writing or other record the reason for the request. (b) An English translation or an opinion of counsel requested under this section must be provided at the principal's expense unless the request is made more than five business days after the power of attorney is presented for acceptance. (c) For purposes of this section, a person that conducts activities through employees is without actual knowledge of a fact relating to a principal, agent, or power of attorney if the employee conducting the transaction involving the power of attorney is without actual knowledge of the fact. (d) Except as otherwise provided in (e) of this section, (1) a person shall accept an acknowledged power of attorney or request a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under (a) of this section not later than five business days after presentation of the power of attorney for acceptance; (2) if a person requests a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under (a) of this section, the person shall accept the power of attorney not later than three business days after receipt of the certification, translation, or opinion of counsel; and (3) a person may not require an additional or different form of power of attorney for authority granted in the power of attorney presented. (e) Notwithstanding AS 13.26.600 , a person is not required to accept an acknowledged power of attorney if (1) the person is not otherwise required to engage in a transaction with the principal in the same circumstances; (2) engaging in a transaction with the agent or principal in the same circumstances would be inconsistent with federal law; (3) the person has actual knowledge of the termination of the agent's authority or of the power of attorney before exercise of the power; (4) a request for a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under (a) of this section is refused; (5) the person in good faith believes that the power is not valid or that the agent does not have the authority to perform the act requested, whether or not a certification, a translation, or an opinion of counsel under (a) of this section has been requested or provided; or (6) the person makes, or has actual knowledge that another person has made, a report to the Department of Health or other governmental agency, stating a good faith belief that the principal may be subject to physical or financial abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment by the agent or a person acting for or with the agent. (f) A person that refuses in violation of this section to accept an acknowledged power of attorney is subject to (1) a court order mandating acceptance of the power of attorney; and (2) liability as provided by court rules of this state for attorney fees and costs incurred in any action or proceeding that confirms the validity of the power of attorney or mandates acceptance of the power of attorney. Sec. 13.26.620. Termination of power of attorney; agent's resignation; notice. (a) Except as provided in AS 13.26.625 , a power of attorney terminates when (1) the principal dies; (2) there is an incapacity of the principal, if the power of attorney is not durable; (3) the principal revokes the power of attorney; (4) the power of attorney provides that it terminates; (5) the purpose of the power of attorney is accomplished; or (6) the principal revokes the agent's authority, there is an incapacity of the agent, the agent dies, or the agent resigns, and the power of attorney does not provide for another agent to act under the power of attorney. (b) Unless the power of attorney provides a different method for an agent's resignation, an agent may resign by giving notice to the principal and, if there is an incapacity of the principal, (1) to the conservator or guardian, if one has been appointed for the principal, and a coagent or successor agent; or (2) if there is no person described in (1) of this subsection, to (A) the principal's custodian or caregiver; (B) another person reasonably believed by the agent to have sufficient interest in the principal's welfare; or (C) a governmental agency having statutory authority to protect the welfare of the principal. Sec. 13.26.625. Powers of attorney not revoked until notice of death or incapacity. (a) The death or incapacity of a principal who has executed a power of attorney in writing does not revoke or terminate the agency as to the agent or other person who, without actual knowledge of the death or incapacity of the principal, acts in good faith under the power of attorney. Action so taken, unless otherwise invalid or unenforceable, binds the principal and the heirs, devisees, and personal representatives of the principal. (b) An affidavit executed by the agent stating that the agent did not have, at the time of doing an act under the power of attorney, actual knowledge of the revocation or termination of the power of attorney by death or incapacity, is, in the absence of fraud, conclusive proof of the nonrevocation or nontermination of the power of attorney at that time. If the exercise of the power of attorney requires execution and delivery of an instrument that is recordable, the affidavit when authenticated for record is likewise recordable. (c) A special power of attorney created before September 4, 1988, shall be construed to grant the agent the powers set out in that special power of attorney. Sec. 13.26.630. Powers of attorney held by public home care providers. (a) A public home care provider may not accept a designation as agent by general or special power of attorney for an individual to whom the provider furnishes services unless the designation is held jointly with another individual who is not a public home care provider. (b) In this section, “public home care provider” has the meaning given in AS 47.05.017 (c). Sec. 13.26.635. Judicial relief. (a) The following persons may petition a court in accordance with the provisions of AS 13.26.401 — 13.26.595 to construe a power of attorney, review the agent's conduct, and grant appropriate relief: (1) the principal or the agent; (2) the principal's attorney or other legal representative; (3) a guardian, conservator, or other fiduciary acting for the principal; (4) a person authorized to make health care decisions for the principal; (5) the principal's spouse, parent, or descendant; (6) an individual who would qualify as a presumptive heir of the principal; (7) a person named as a beneficiary to receive any property, benefit, or contractual right on the principal's death or as a beneficiary of a trust created by or for the principal that has a financial interest in the principal's estate; (8) the Department of Health, the Department of Administration, the office of the long term care ombudsman, or other governmental agency having statutory authority to protect the welfare of the principal; (9) the principal's caregiver, custodian, or another person that demonstrates sufficient interest in the principal's welfare; and (10) a person asked to accept the power of attorney. (b) Upon motion by the principal, the court shall dismiss a petition filed under this section, unless the court finds that the principal lacks capacity to revoke the agent's authority or the power of attorney. Sec. 13.26.640. Relationship to other laws. (a) Except as provided in (c) of this section, AS 13.26.600 — 13.26.695 do not supersede any other law applicable to a financial institution or other entity, and the other law controls if inconsistent with AS 13.26.600 — 13.26.695.

(b) The remedies in AS 13.26.600 — 13.26.695 are not exclusive and do not abrogate any right or remedy under the law of this state. (c) AS 13.26.600 — 13.26.695 modify, limit, or supersede 15 U.S.C. 7001 — 7031 (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act), but do not modify, limit, or supersede 15 U.S.C. 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in 15 U.S.C. 7003(b). Sec. 13.26.645. Statutory form power of attorney. A person who wishes to designate another as agent by a power of attorney may execute a statutory power of attorney set out in substantially the following form: GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEYTHE POWERS GRANTED FROM THE PRINCIPAL TO THE AGENT OR AGENTS IN THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT ARE VERY BROAD. THEY MAY INCLUDE THE POWER TO DISPOSE, SELL, CONVEY, AND ENCUMBER YOUR REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY. ACCORDINGLY, THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT SHOULD ONLY BE USED AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT, YOU SHOULD SEEK COMPETENT ADVICE.YOU MAY REVOKE THIS POWER OF ATTORNEY AT ANY TIME.Pursuant to AS 13.26.600 , 13.26.625 — 13.26.640, and 13.26.655 — 13.26.695, I, (Name of principal), of (Address of principal), do hereby appoint (Name and address of agent or agents), my agent(s) to act as indicated below in my name, place, and stead in any way which I myself could do, if I were personally present, with respect to the following matters, as each of them is defined in AS 13.26.665 , to the full extent that I am permitted by law to act through an agent:MARK THE BOXES BELOW TO INDICATE THE POWERS YOU WANT TO GIVE YOUR AGENT OR AGENTS. MARK THE BOX FOR “YES” THAT IS OPPOSITE A CATEGORY BELOW TO GIVE YOUR AGENT OR AGENTS THE POWER IN THAT CATEGORY. IF YOU DO NOT MARK A BOX OPPOSITE A CATEGORY, YOUR AGENT OR AGENTS WILL NOT HAVE THE POWER IN THAT CATEGORY.YES (A) real estate transactions( ) (B) transactions involving tangible personal property, chattels, and goods( ) (C) bonds, shares, and commodities transactions( ) (D) banking transactions( ) (E) business operating transactions( ) (F) insurance transactions( ) (G) estate transactions( ) (H) retirement plans( ) (I) claims and litigation( ) (J) personal relationships and affairs( ) (K) benefits from government programs and civil or military service( ) (L) records, reports, and statements( ) (M) voter registration and absentee ballot requests( ) (N) all other matters, including those specified as follows:( ) _________________________________________________________GRANT OF SPECIFIC AUTHORITY (OPTIONAL)The agent or agents you have appointed WILL NOT have the power to do any of the following acts UNLESS you MARK the box opposite that category: create, amend, revoke, or terminate an inter vivos trust; make a gift, subject to the limitations of AS 13.26.665 (q) and any special instructions in this power of attorney; create or change a beneficiary designation; revoke a transfer on death deed made under AS 13.48 ; create or change rights of survivorship; delegate authority granted under the power of attorney; waive the principal's right to be a beneficiary of a joint and survivor annuity, including a survivor benefit under a retirement plan; exercise fiduciary powers that the principal has authority to delegate; exercise authority over the content of electronic communications, as that term is defined in 18 U.S.C. 2510(12), sent or received by the principal.IF YOU HAVE APPOINTED MORE THAN ONE AGENT, MARK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Each agent may exercise the powers conferred separately, without the consent of any other agent. All agents shall exercise the powers conferred jointly, with the consent of all other agents.TO INDICATE WHEN THIS DOCUMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE, MARK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: This document shall become effective upon the date of my signature. This document shall become effective upon the date of my incapacity and shall not otherwise be affected by my incapacity.IF YOU HAVE INDICATED THAT THIS DOCUMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON THE DATE OF YOUR SIGNATURE, MARK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: This document shall not be affected by my subsequent incapacity. This document shall be revoked by my subsequent incapacity.IF YOU HAVE INDICATED THAT THIS DOCUMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON THE DATE OF YOUR SIGNATURE AND WANT TO LIMIT THE TERM OF THIS DOCUMENT, COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:This document shall only continue in effect for __________ years from the date of my signature.NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF THE POWERS GRANTED IN THIS DOCUMENTYou may revoke one or more of the powers granted in this document. Unless otherwise provided in this document, you may revoke a specific power granted in this power of attorney by completing a special power of attorney that includes the specific power in this document that you want to revoke. Unless otherwise provided in this document, you may revoke all the powers granted in this power of attorney by completing a subsequent power of attorney.NOTICE TO THIRD PARTIESA third party who relies on the reasonable representations of an agent as to a matter relating to a power granted by a properly executed statutory form power of attorney does not incur any liability to the principal or to the principal's heirs, assigns, or estate as a result of permitting the agent to exercise the authority granted by the power of attorney. A third party who fails to honor a properly executed statutory form power of attorney may be liable to the principal, the agent, the principal's heirs, assigns, or estate for a civil penalty, plus damages, costs, and fees associated with the failure to comply with the statutory form power of attorney. If the power of attorney is one which becomes effective upon the incapacity of the principal, the incapacity of the principal is established by an affidavit, as required by law.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name this _________ day of _________, _____.___________________Acknowledged before me at ________________________________________________________________________ on ___________________.___________________If a person other than the principal executes the signature for the principal, the person may not be a person who is appointed an agent in the power of attorney, and the following signature line and notary verification must also be completed:IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name this _________ day of _________, _____.___________________Signature of person signing at the request of _____________________________________________________Printed name of person signing ___________________Form of identification of person signing ___________________Acknowledged before me at ________________________________________________________________________ on ___________________.___________________ Sec. 13.26.650. Additional optional provisions to statutory form power of attorney. Each of the following provisions may be included in a statutory form power of attorney: (1) YOU MAY DESIGNATE AN ALTERNATE AGENT. ANY ALTERNATE YOU DESIGNATE WILL BE ABLE TO EXERCISE THE SAME POWERS AS THE AGENT(S) YOU NAMED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS DOCUMENT. IF YOU WISH TO DESIGNATE AN ALTERNATE OR ALTERNATES, COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: If the agent(s) named at the beginning of this document is unable or unwilling to serve or continue to serve, then I appoint the following agent to serve with the same powers: First alternate or successor agent (Name and address of alternate) Second alternate or successor agent (Name and address of alternate) (2) YOU MAY NOMINATE A GUARDIAN OR CONSERVATOR. IF YOU WISH TO NOMINATE A GUARDIAN OR CONSERVATOR, COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING: In the event that a court decides that it is necessary to appoint a guardian or conservator for me, I hereby nominate to be considered by the court for appointment to serve as my guardian or conservator, or in any similar representative capacity. Sec. 13.26.655. Completion of statutory form power of attorney. (a) [Repealed, § 28 ch 50 SLA 2016.] (b) Special provisions and limitations may be imposed on the statutory form power of attorney only if they conform to the requirements of AS 13.26.670 . Sec. 13.26.660. Applicability of provisions of statutory form power of attorney. In the instrument set out in AS 13.26.645 — 13.26.650, (1) if the principal has appointed more than one person to act as agent and failed to mark whether the agents may act “jointly” or “severally,” the agents are required to act jointly; (2) if the principal has failed to indicate when the instrument shall become effective, the instrument shall become effective upon the date of the principal's signature; (3) if the principal has indicated that the instrument shall become effective upon the date of the principal's signature or has failed to indicate when the instrument shall become effective and has failed to indicate the effect of the principal's subsequent incapacity on the instrument, the instrument shall be revoked by the subsequent incapacity of the principal; (4) if the principal has failed to indicate a specific term for the instrument, the instrument shall continue in effect until revoked. Sec. 13.26.665. Interpretation of provisions in statutory form power of attorney. (a) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to real estate transactions shall be construed to mean that, as to an estate or interest in land of the principal, whether in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent to (1) accept as a gift or as security for a loan, demand, buy, lease, receive, or otherwise acquire either ownership or possession of any estate or interest in land; (2) sell, exchange, convey, quitclaim, release, surrender, mortgage, encumber, partition or consent to the partitioning, grant options concerning, lease or sublet, or otherwise to dispose of, an estate or interest in land; (3) release in whole or in part, assign the whole or a part of, satisfy in whole or in part, and enforce a mortgage, encumbrance, lien, or other claim to land that exists, or is claimed to exist, in favor of the principal; (4) do any act of management or of conservation with respect to an estate or interest in land owned, or claimed to be owned, by the principal, including by way of illustration, but not of restriction, power to insure against any casualty, liability, or loss, obtain or regain possession or protect the estate or interest, pay, compromise, or contest taxes or assessments, or apply for refunds in connection with a payment, compromise, or tax, purchase supplies, hire assistance of labor, and make repairs or alterations in the structures or land; (5) use, develop, modify, alter, replace, remove, erect, or install structures or other improvements on land in which the principal has, or claims to have, an estate or interest; (6) demand, receive, or obtain money or any other thing of value to which the principal is, or may become, or may claim to be entitled as the proceeds of an interest in land or of one or more of the transactions enumerated in this subsection; conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything so received for purposes enumerated in this subsection; and reimburse the agent for an expenditure properly made in the execution of the powers conferred by the statutory form power of attorney; (7) participate in any reorganization with respect to real property and receive and hold any shares of stock or instrument of similar character received under a plan of reorganization, and act with respect to a plan of reorganization, including by way of illustration, but not of restriction, power to sell or otherwise to dispose of shares, to exercise or to sell an option, conversion, or similar right, and to vote in person by the granting of a proxy; (8) agree and contract, in any manner, and with any person and on any terms that the agent may select, for the accomplishment of any of the purposes enumerated in this subsection, and perform, rescind, reform, release, or modify an agreement or contract made by or on behalf of the principal; (9) execute, acknowledge, seal, and deliver a deed, mortgage, lease, notice, check, or other instrument that the agent considers useful for the accomplishment of any of the purposes enumerated in this subsection; (10) prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to, a claim existing in favor of, or against, the principal based on or involving a real estate transaction or intervene in any related action; (11) hire, discharge, and compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or assistant when the agent considers that action to be desirable for the proper execution of a power described in this subsection, and for the keeping of records about that action; and (12) do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent with respect to any estate or interest in land. (b) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to tangible personal property, chattels, and goods transactions shall be construed to mean that, as to tangible personal property, chattels, or goods owned by the principal, whether located in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent to (1) accept as a gift, or as a security for a loan, reject, demand, buy, receive, or otherwise acquire either ownership or possession of chattels or goods or an interest in the tangible personal property, chattels, or goods; (2) sell, exchange, convey, release, surrender, mortgage, encumber, pledge, hypothecate, pawn, grant options concerning, lease or sublet to others, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property, chattels, or goods or an interest in them; (3) release in whole or in part, assign the whole or a part of, satisfy in whole or in part, and enforce a mortgage, encumbrance, lien, or other claim that exists, or is claimed to exist, in favor of the principal with respect to any tangible personal property, chattels, or goods or an interest in them; (4) do any act of management or of conservation with respect to any tangible personal property, chattels, or goods or to an interest in any tangible personal property, chattels, or goods owned, or claimed to be owned, by the principal, including by way of illustration, but not of restriction, power to insure against any casualty, liability, or loss, obtain or regain possession, or protect the tangible personal property, chattels, or goods or an interest in them, pay, compromise, or contest taxes or assessments, apply for refunds in connection with a payment, compromise, or tax, move from place to place, store for hire or on a gratuitous bailment, use, alter, and make repairs or alterations of any tangible personal property, chattels, or goods, or an interest in them; (5) demand, receive, and obtain money or any other thing of value to which the principal is, or may become, or may claim to be, entitled as the proceeds of any tangible personal property, chattels, or goods or of an interest in them, or of one or more of the transactions enumerated in this subsection, conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything so received for purposes enumerated in this subsection, and reimburse the agent for any expenditures properly made in the execution of the powers conferred by the power of attorney; (6) agree and contract, in any manner, and with any person and on any terms that the agent may select, for the accomplishment of the purposes enumerated in this subsection, and perform, rescind, reform, release, or modify any agreement or contract or any other similar agreement or contract made by or on behalf of the principal; (7) execute, acknowledge, seal, and deliver a conveyance, mortgage, lease, notice, check or other instrument that the agent considers useful for the accomplishment of the purposes enumerated in this subsection; (8) prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to, a claim existing in favor of, or against, the principal based on or involving a transaction involving tangible personal property, chattels, or goods, or intervene in an action or proceeding; (9) hire, discharge, and compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or assistant when the agent considers the action to be desirable to the proper execution of a power described in this subsection, and for the keeping of records about that action; (10) do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent with respect to any chattels or goods or interest in any tangible personal property, chattels, or goods. (c) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to bonds, shares, and commodities transactions shall be construed to mean that, with respect to a bond, share, or commodity of the principal, whether in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent to (1) accept as a gift, or as a security for a loan, reject, demand, buy, receive, or otherwise acquire either ownership or possession of, a bond, share, or instrument of similar character including, by way of illustration, but not of restriction, stock in a corporation organized under 43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. (Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act), commodity interest, or an instrument with respect to a bond, share, or instruments of similar character, together with the interest, dividends, proceeds, or other distributions connected with a bond, share, or instrument of a similar character; (2) sell, exchange, transfer, release, surrender, hypothecate, pledge, grant options concerning, loan, trade in, or otherwise dispose of a bond, share, instrument of similar character, commodity interest, or a related instrument; (3) release, assign the whole or part of, satisfy in whole or in part, and enforce a pledge, encumbrance, lien, or other claim as to a bond, share, instrument of similar character, commodity interest, or a related interest, when the pledge, encumbrance, lien, or other claim is owned, or claimed to be owned, by the principal; (4) do any act of management or of conservation with respect to a bond, share, instrument of similar character, commodity interest, or a related instrument, owned or claimed to be owned by the principal or in which the principal has or claims to have an interest, including by way of illustration, but not of restriction, power to insure against a casualty, liability, or loss, obtain or regain possession or protect the principal's interest, pay, compromise, or contest taxes or assessments, apply for a refund in connection with a payment, compromise, or tax, consent to and participate in a reorganization, recapitalization, liquidation, merger, consolidation, sale or lease or other change in or revival of a corporation or other association, or in the financial structure of a corporation or other association, or in the priorities, voting rights, or other special rights with respect to a corporation or association, become a depositor with a protective, reorganization or similar committee of the bond, share, other instrument of similar character, commodity interest or a related instrument, belonging to the principal, make a payment reasonably incident to them, and exercise or sell an option, conversion, or similar right, or vote in person or by the granting of a proxy for the accomplishment of the purposes enumerated in this subsection; (5) carry in the name of a nominee selected by the agent evidence of the ownership of a bond, share, other instrument of similar character, commodity interest, or related instrument belonging to the principal; (6) employ, in any way believed to be desirable by the agent, a bond, share, other instrument of similar character, commodity interest, or a related instrument, in which the principal has or claims to have an interest, for the protection or continued operation of a speculative or margin transaction personally begun or personally guaranteed, in whole or in part, by the principal; (7) demand, receive, or obtain money or any other thing of value to which the principal is, or may claim to be, entitled as the proceeds of an interest in a bond, share, other instrument of similar character, commodity interest or a related instrument, or of one or more of the transactions enumerated in this subsection, conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything so received for purposes enumerated in this subsection; and reimburse the agent for an expenditure properly made in the execution of the powers conferred by the statutory form power of attorney; (8) agree and contract, in any manner, and with a broker or other person, and on terms that the agent may select, for the accomplishment of the purposes enumerated in this subsection, and perform, rescind, reform, release, or modify the agreement or contract or other similar agreement made by or on behalf of the principal; (9) execute, acknowledge, seal, and deliver a consent, agreement, authorization, assignment, notice, waiver of notice, check, or other instrument that the agent considers useful for the accomplishment of the purposes enumerated in this subsection; (10) execute, acknowledge and file a report or certificate required by law or regulation; (11) prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to, a claim existing in favor of, or against, the principal based on or involving a bond, share, or commodity transactions, or intervene in a related action or proceeding; (12) hire, discharge, and compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or assistant when the agent considers that action to be desirable for the proper execution of the powers described in this subsection, and for the keeping of records about that action; and (13) do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent, with respect to an interest in a bond, share, or other instrument of similar character, commodity, or instrument with respect to a commodity. (d) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to banking transactions shall be construed to mean that, as to a banking transaction engaged in by the principal, whether in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent to (1) continue, modify, or terminate a deposit account or other banking arrangement made by or on the behalf of the principal before the execution of the power of attorney; (2) open, either in the name of the agent alone or in the name of the principal alone, or in both their names jointly, a deposit account of any type in a financial institution selected by the agent, hire a safe deposit box or vault space, and enter into contracts for the procuring of other services made available by the institution that the agent considers desirable; (3) make, sign, and deliver checks or drafts for any purpose, and withdraw funds or property of the principal deposited with or left in the custody of a financial institution, wherever located, either before or after the execution of the power of attorney; (4) prepare financial statements concerning the assets and liabilities or income and expenses of the principal, and deliver the statements to a financial institution or person whom the agent believes to be reasonably entitled to them; (5) receive statements, vouchers, notices, or other documents from a financial institution and act with respect to them; (6) have free access to a safe deposit box or vault to which the principal would have access if personally present; (7) borrow money as the agent may determine, give security out of the assets of the principal as the agent considers necessary for the borrowing, and pay, renew, or extend the time of payment of a financial institution by any other procedure made available by the institution; (8) make, assign, endorse, discount, guarantee, use, and negotiate promissory notes, bills of exchange, checks, drafts, credit and debit cards, electronic transaction authorizations, or other negotiable or nonnegotiable paper of the principal, or payable to the principal or to the principal's order, receive the cash or other proceeds of them; and accept any bill of exchange or draft drawn by any person upon the principal, and pay it when due; (9) receive for the principal and deal in and with a negotiable or nonnegotiable instrument in which the principal has or claims to have an interest; (10) apply for and receive letters of credit or traveler's checks from a banker or banking institution selected by the agent, giving indemnity or other agreements in connection with the applications or receipts that the agent considers desirable or necessary; (11) consent to an extension in the time of payment with respect to commercial paper or a banking transaction in which the principal has an interest or by which the principal is, or might be, affected in any way; (12) pay, compromise, or contest taxes or assessments and apply for refunds in connection with the payment, compromise, or contest; (13) demand, receive, or obtain money or any other thing of value to which the principal is, or may become, or may claim to be entitled as the proceeds of any banking transaction conducted by the principal or by the agent in the execution of the powers described in this subsection, or partly by the principal and partly by the agent; conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received for purposes enumerated in this subsection, and reimburse the agent for an expenditure properly made in the execution of the powers conferred by the statutory form power of attorney; (14) execute, acknowledge, seal, and deliver an instrument, in the name of the principal or otherwise, that the agent considers useful for the accomplishment of a purpose enumerated in this subsection; (15) prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to, a claim existing in favor of, or against, the principal based on or involving a banking transaction, or intervene in an action or proceeding relating to a banking transaction; (16) hire, discharge, and compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or assistant when the agent considers that the action is desirable for the proper execution of the powers described in this subsection, and for the keeping of records about that action; and (17) do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent in connection with a banking transaction that does or might in any way affect the financial or other interests of the principal. (e) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to business operating transactions shall be construed to mean that, with respect to a business in which the principal has an interest, whether in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent (1) to the extent that an agent is permitted by law to act for a principal, to discharge and perform any duty or liability and exercise any right, power, privilege, or option that the principal has, or claims to have, under a contract of partnership, whether as a general or special partner, enforce the terms of the partnership agreement for the protection of the principal that the agent considers desirable or necessary, and defend, submit to arbitration, settle, or compromise an action to which the principal is a party because of membership in a partnership; (2) to exercise in person or by proxy or enforce a right, power, privilege, or option that the principal has as the holder of a bond, share, or other instrument of similar character, and defend, submit to arbitration, settle, or compromise an action to which the principal is a party because of a bond, share, or other instrument of similar character; (3) with respect to a business enterprise that is owned solely by the principal, to (A) continue, modify, renegotiate, extend and terminate a contractual arrangement made with a person, firm, association, or corporation by or on behalf of the principal; (B) determine the policy of the enterprise as to the location of the site or sites to be used for its operation, the nature and extent of the business to be undertaken by it, the methods of manufacturing, selling, merchandising, financing, accounting, and advertising to be employed in its operation, the amount and types of insurance to be carried, the mode of securing compensation and dealing with accountants, attorneys, and employees required for its operation, agree and contract, in any manner, and with any person and on any terms, that the agent considers desirable or necessary to carry out any or all of the decisions of the agent as to policy, and perform, rescind, reform, release, or modify an agreement or contract or any other similar agreement or contract made by or on behalf of the principal; (C) change the name or form of organization under which the business is operated and enter into a partnership agreement with others or organize a corporation to take over the operation of the business, or any part of it, that the agent considers desirable or necessary; (D) demand and receive all money that is or may become due to the principal, or that may be claimed by the principal or on the principal's behalf, in the operation of the enterprise, and control and disburse the funds in the operation of the enterprise in any way that the agent considers desirable or necessary, and engage in banking transactions that the agent considers desirable or necessary to carry out the execution of the powers of the agent described in this subparagraph; (4) to prepare, sign, file, and deliver all reports, compilations of information, returns, and other papers with respect to a business operating transaction of the principal that is required by a government agency or that the agent considers desirable or necessary for any purpose, and make any payments with respect to the agency; (5) to pay, compromise, or contest taxes or assessments and do any act or acts that the agent considers desirable or necessary to protect the principal from illegal or unnecessary taxation, fines, penalties, or assessments in connection with the business operations; (6) to demand, receive, or obtain money or any other thing of value to which the principal is or may claim to be entitled as the proceeds of a business operation of the principal, conserve, invest, disburse, and use anything so received for purposes enumerated in this subsection, and reimburse the agent for expenditures properly made in the execution of the powers conferred by the statutory form power of attorney; (7) to execute, acknowledge, seal, and deliver a deed, assignment, mortgage, lease, notice, consent, agreement, authorization check, or other instrument that the agent considers useful for the accomplishment of any of the purposes enumerated in this subsection; (8) to prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to, a claim existing in favor of, or against, the principal based on or involving a business operating transaction or intervene in a related action; (9) to hire, discharge, and compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or assistant when the agent reasonably believes that the action is desirable for the proper execution of the powers described in this subsection, and for the keeping of records about that action; (10) to operate, buy, sell, enlarge, reduce, or terminate an ownership interest; (11) to put additional capital into an entity or business in which the principal has an interest; (12) to join in a plan of reorganization, consolidation, conversion, domestication, or merger of the entity or business; (13) to sell or liquidate all or part of an entity or business; (14) to establish the value of an entity or business under a buy-out agreement to which the principal is a party; and (15) to do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent in connection with a business operated by the principal that the agent considers desirable or necessary for the furtherance or protection of the interests of the principal. (f) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to insurance transactions shall be construed to mean that, as to a contract of insurance in which the principal has an interest, whether in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent to (1) continue, pay the premium or assessment on, modify, rescind, release, or terminate any contract of life, accident, health, disability, or liability insurance, or any combination of insurance, procured by or on behalf of the principal before the creation of the agency that insures either the principal or any other person without regard to whether the principal is or is not a beneficiary under the insurance coverage; (2) procure new, different, or additional contracts on the life of the principal or protecting the principal with respect to ill health, disability, accident, or liability of any sort, select the amount, the type of insurance contract, and the mode of payment under each policy, pay the premium or assessment on, modify, rescind, release, or terminate a contract so procured by the agent; and designate the beneficiary of the contract of insurance, except that the agent cannot be the beneficiary unless the agent is spouse, child, grandchild, parent, brother, or sister of the principal; (3) apply for and receive a loan on the security of the contract of insurance, whether for the payment of a premium or for the procuring of cash; surrender and receive the cash surrender value; exercise an election as to beneficiary or mode of payment, change the manner of paying premiums, change or convert the type of insurance contract with respect to any insurance that the principal has, or claims to have, as to any power described in this subsection; and change the beneficiary of a contract of insurance, except that the agent cannot be the new beneficiary unless the agent is spouse, child, grandchild, parent, brother, or sister of the principal; (4) demand, receive, or obtain money or any other thing of value to which the principal is, or may become, or may claim to be entitled as the proceeds of a contract of insurance or of one or more of the transactions enumerated in this subsection; conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received for purposes enumerated in this subsection and reimburse the agent for expenditures properly made in the execution of the powers conferred by the statutory form power of attorney; (5) apply for and procure available government aid in the guaranteeing or paying of premiums of a contract of insurance on the life of the principal; (6) sell, assign, hypothecate, borrow upon, or pledge the interest of the principal in any contract of insurance; (7) pay, from the proceeds of an insurance contract or otherwise, compromise, or contest, and apply for refunds in connection with, a tax or assessment levied by a taxing authority with respect to a contract of insurance or the proceeds of or liability accruing by reason of a tax or assessment; (8) agree and contract, in any manner and with any person and on any terms that the agent may select, for the accomplishment of the purposes enumerated in this subsection, and perform, rescind, reform, release, or modify any agreement or contract; (9) execute, acknowledge, seal, and deliver any consent, demand, request, application, agreement, indemnity, authorization, assignment, pledge, notice, check, receipt, waiver, or other instrument that the agent considers useful for the accomplishment of a purpose enumerated in this subsection; (10) continue, procure, pay the premium or assessment on, modify, rescind, release, terminate, or otherwise deal with any contract of insurance, other than those enumerated in (1) and (2) of this subsection, or any combination of insurance; and do any act with respect to the contract or with respect to its proceeds or enforcement that the agent considers desirable or necessary for the promotion or protection of the interests of the principal; (11) prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to a claim existing in favor of, or against, the principal based on or involving an insurance transaction, or intervene in an action relating to an insurance transaction; (12) hire, discharge, and compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or assistant when the agent considers the action to be desirable for the proper execution of a power described in this subsection, and for the keeping of records about that action; (13) exercise investment powers available under a contract of insurance or annuity; and (14) do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent in connection with procuring, supervising, managing, modifying, enforcing, and terminating contracts of insurance in which the principal is the insured or has an interest. (g) In a statutory form of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to estate transactions shall be construed to mean that, with respect to an estate of a decedent, absentee, minor, incompetent, or the administration of a trust or other fund, whether in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent (1) to the extent that an agent is permitted by law to act for a principal, apply for and procure, in the name of the principal, authority to act as a fiduciary of any sort; (2) to the extent that an agent is permitted by law to act for a principal, represent and act for the principal in all ways and in all matters affecting any estate of a decedent, absentee, minor, or incompetent, or any trust or other fund, out of which the principal is entitled, or claims to be entitled, to some share or payment, or with respect to which the principal is a fiduciary; (3) to accept, reject, disclaim, receive, give a receipt for, sell, assign, release, pledge, exchange, or consent to a reduction in or modification of, a gift, bequest, devise, inheritance, or any interest in a share in or payment from an estate, trust, or other fund, including an interest in any jointly-owned real or personal property or proceeds from an insurance policy; (4) to demand, receive, or obtain money or any other thing of value to which the principal is, or may become, or may claim to be entitled by reason of the death of a person or of any testamentary disposition or trust, or by reason of the administration of the estate of a decedent or absentee, or of a guardianship of a minor or incompetent or the administration of any trust or other fund; initiate, participate in, and oppose a proceeding to ascertain the meaning, validity, or effect of any deed, will, declaration of trust, or other transaction affecting in any way the interest of the principal; initiate, participate in, and oppose a proceeding for the removal, substitution, or surcharge of a fiduciary; conserve, invest, disburse, or use anything received for purposes enumerated in this subsection; and reimburse the agent for expenditures properly made in the execution of the powers conferred by the statutory form powers of attorney; (5) to prepare, sign, file, and deliver all reports, compilations of information, returns, or papers with respect to an interest had or claimed by or on behalf of the principal in an estate, trust, or other fund; pay, compromise, or contest, and apply for refunds in connection with a tax or assessment with respect to any interest had or claimed by or on behalf of the principal in an estate, trust, or other fund or by reason of the death of any person, or with respect to property in which the principal had or claimed an interest; (6) to agree and contract, in any manner and with any person and on any terms that the agent may select, for the accomplishment of the purposes enumerated in this subsection, and perform, rescind, reform, release, or modify an agreement or contract or any other similar agreement or contract made by or on behalf of the principal; (7) to execute, acknowledge, verify, seal, file, and deliver a consent, designation, pleading, notice, demand, election, conveyance, release, assignment, check, pledge, waiver, admission of service, notice of appearance, or any other instrument that the agent considers useful for accomplishment of any of the purposes enumerated in this subsection; (8) to submit to arbitration or settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to, a controversy or claim that affects the estate of a decedent, absentee, minor, or incompetent, or the administration of a trust or other fund, in any one of which the principal has, or claims to have, an interest, and do any act that the agent considers desirable or necessary to carry out the compromise; (9) to hire, discharge, and compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or assistant when the agent considers the action to be desirable for the proper execution of any of the powers described in this subsection, and for the keeping of records about that action; and (10) to do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent, with respect to the estate of a decedent, absentee, minor, or incompetent, or the administration of a trust or other fund, in any one of which the principal has, or claims to have, an interest with respect to which the principal is a fiduciary. (h) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring authority with respect to retirement plans shall be construed to mean that the principal authorizes the agent to (1) select the form and timing of payments under a retirement plan and withdraw benefits from a plan; (2) make a rollover, including a direct trustee-to-trustee rollover, of benefits from one retirement plan to another; (3) establish a retirement plan in the principal's name; (4) make contributions to a retirement plan; (5) exercise investment powers available under a retirement plan; and (6) borrow from, sell assets to, or purchase assets from a retirement plan. (i) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to claims and litigation shall be construed to mean that, as to any claim or litigation, whether arising in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent to (1) assert and prosecute before any court, administrative board, department, or other tribunal a cause of action, claim, counterclaim, offset, or defense that the principal has, or claims to have, against an individual, partnership, association, corporation, government, or other person or instrumentality, including, by way of illustration, and not of restriction, power to sue for the recovery of land or of any other thing of value, for the recovery of damages sustained by the principal in any manner for damages sustained as a result of the refusal of a third party to honor the power of attorney, for the elimination or modification of tax liability, for an injunction, for specific performance, or for any other relief; (2) bring an action to determine adverse claims, intervene or interplead in an action or proceeding, and act in litigation as amicus curiae; (3) in connection with any legal action, apply for and, if possible, procure preliminary, provisional, or intermediate relief, and resort to and use any available procedure to obtain and satisfy a judgment, order, or decree; (4) in connection with any legal action, perform an act that the principal might perform, including by way of illustration and not of restriction, acceptance of tender, offer of judgment, admission of facts, submission of a controversy on an agreed statement of facts, consent to examination before trial, and generally bind the principal in the conduct of any litigation or controversy that the agent considers desirable; (5) submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to a claim existing in favor of or against the principal, or any litigation to which the principal is or may become or be designated a party; (6) waive the insurance and service of process upon the principal, accept service of process, appear for the principal, designate persons upon whom process directed to the principal may be served, execute and file or deliver stipulations on the principal's behalf, verify pleadings, appeal to appellate tribunals, procure and give surety and indemnity bonds that the agent finds desirable or necessary, contract and pay for the preparation and printing of records and briefs, receive, execute, and file or deliver a consent, waiver, release, confession of judgment, satisfaction of judgment, notice, agreement, or other instrument that the agent considers desirable or necessary in connection with the prosecution, settlement, or defense of a claim by or against the principal or of any litigation to which the principal is or may become or be designated a party; (7) appear for, represent, and act for the principal with respect to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings whether of the principal or of some other person, with respect to a reorganization proceeding, or with respect to a receivership or application for the appointment of a receiver or trustee that affects an interest of the principal in any land, chattel, bond, share, commodity interest, or other thing of value; (8) hire, discharge, and compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or assistant when the agent reasonably believes the action to be desirable for the proper execution of any of the powers described in this subsection; (9) pay, from funds in the agent's control or for the account of the principal, any judgment against the principal or any settlement that may be made in connection with a transaction enumerated in this subsection, and receive and conserve any money or other thing of value paid in settlement of or as proceeds of one or more of the transactions enumerated in this subsection, and receive, endorse, and deposit checks; and (10) do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent in connection with a claim by or against the principal or with litigation to which the principal is or may become or be designated a party. (j) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to personal relationships is neither dependent on, nor limited by, authority that an agent may or may not have with respect to gifts under AS 13.26.600 — 13.26.695, and shall be construed to mean that, as to real and personal property owned by the principal, whether in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent to (1) do all acts necessary to maintain the customary standard of living of the spouse, children, other dependents of the principal, whether living when the power of attorney is executed or later born, and individuals whom the principal has customarily supported or indicated the intent to support, including by way of illustration and not by way of restriction, power to provide living quarters by purchase, by lease, or by other contract, or by any payment of the operating costs, including interest, amortization payments, repairs, and taxes, of premises owned by the principal and occupied by the principal's family or dependents, to provide normal domestic help for the operation of the household, to provide usual vacations and usual travel expenses, to provide usual educational facilities, to provide funds for all the current living costs of the spouse, children, and other dependents, including, among other things, shelter, clothing, food, and incidentals, and to make periodic payments of child support and other family maintenance required by a court or governmental agency or an agreement to which the principal is a party; (2) provide, whenever necessary, medical, dental, and surgical care, hospitalization, and custodial care for the spouse, children, and other dependents of the principal;

(3) continue whatever provision has been made by the principal for the principal's spouse, children, and other dependents, with respect to automobiles, or other means of transportation, including by way of illustration, but not by way of restriction, power to license, insure, and replace automobiles owned by the principal and customarily used by the spouse, children, or other dependents of the principal; (4) continue whatever charge accounts have been opened for the convenience of the principal's spouse, children, or other dependents, open any new accounts that the agent considers desirable to accomplish the purposes enumerated in this subsection, and pay the items charged on these accounts by a person authorized or permitted by the principal to make the charges; (5) continue the discharge of any services or duties assumed by the principal to a parent, relative, or friend of the principal; (6) supervise, enforce, defend, or settle any claim by or against the principal arising out of property damages or personal injuries suffered by or caused by the principal, or under any circumstance that the resulting loss will or may fall on the principal; (7) continue payments incidental to the membership or affiliation of the principal in a church, club, society, order, or other organization, or continue contributions to the organization; (8) demand, receive, or obtain money or any other thing of value to which the principal is or may become or may claim to be entitled as remuneration for services performed, or as a stock dividend or distribution, or as interest or principal upon indebtedness, or as a periodic distribution of profits from any partnership or business in which the principal has or claims an interest, and endorse, collect, or otherwise realize upon an instrument for the payment received; (9) prepare, execute, and file all tax, social security, unemployment insurance, and information returns required by the laws of the United States or of any state or subdivision, or of any foreign government; prepare, execute, and file all other papers and instruments that the agent considers desirable or necessary for the safeguarding of the principal against excess or illegal taxation or against penalties imposed for claimed violation of a law or regulation; and pay, compromise, or contest or apply for refunds in connection with a tax or assessment for which the principal is or may be liable; (10) use an asset of the principal to perform a power enumerated in this subsection, including by way of illustration and not by way of restriction, power to draw money by check or otherwise from a bank deposit of the principal, to sell land or a chattel, bond, share, commodity interest, or other asset of the principal, to borrow money, and to pledge as security for the loan any asset, including insurance, that belongs to the principal; (11) execute, acknowledge, verify, seal, file, and deliver an application, consent, petition, notice, release, waiver, agreement, or other instrument that the agent considers useful to accomplish a purpose enumerated in this subsection; (12) prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to a claim existing in favor of, or against, the principal based on or involving a transaction enumerated in this subsection, or intervene in any action or proceeding related to a transaction; (13) hire, discharge, and compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or assistant when the agent considers the action to be desirable for the proper execution of any of the powers described in this subsection, and for the keeping of records, about that action; (14) do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent, for the welfare of the spouse, children, or dependents of the principal or for the preservation and maintenance of the other personal relationships of the principal to a parent, relative, friend, or organization; and (15) act as the principal's personal representative under 42 U.S.C. 1320d (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and secs. 1171 — 1179, Social Security Act), as amended, and applicable regulations, in making decisions related to the past, present, or future payment for the provision of health care consented to by the principal or anyone authorized under the law of this state to consent to health care on behalf of the principal. (k) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to benefits from government programs or civil or military service shall be construed to mean that, whether the benefits from the government programs or civil or military service have accrued to the principal in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent to (1) prepare and execute vouchers, applications, requests, forms, and other legal documents in the name of the principal for all benefits, bonuses, dividends, allowances, and reimbursements payable under any government program or military service of the United States, a state, or a subdivision, including allowances and reimbursements for transportation of the individuals described in (j)(1) of this section, and for shipment of their household effects, and receive, endorse, and collect the proceeds of a check payable to the order of the principal drawn on the treasurer or other fiscal officer or depositary of the United States, a state, or a subdivision; (2) take possession and order the removal and shipment of property of the principal from any post, warehouse, depot, dock, or other place or storage or safekeeping and execute and deliver any release, voucher, receipt, bill of lading, shipping ticket, certificate, or other instrument that the agent considers desirable or necessary for that purpose; (3) prepare, file, and prosecute the claim of the principal to any benefit or assistance to which the principal is, or claims to be, entitled under the provisions of a statute or regulation of the United States, a state, or a subdivision; (4) receive the financial proceeds of a claim of the type described in this subsection; conserve, invest, disburse or use anything received for purposes enumerated in this subsection; and reimburse the agent for expenditures properly made in the execution of the powers conferred by the statutory form power of attorney; (5) prosecute, defend, submit to arbitration, settle, and propose or accept a compromise with respect to a claim existing in favor of, or against, the principal based on or involving a benefit from a government program or military service, or intervene in an action relating to a claim; (6) hire, discharge, or compensate an attorney, accountant, expert witness, or assistant when the agent considers that action to be desirable for the proper execution of any of the powers described in this subsection; (7) enroll in, apply for, select, reject, change, amend, or discontinue, on the principal's behalf, a benefit or program; and (8) do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent, and that the agent considers desirable or necessary to assure to the principal and to the dependents of the principal the maximum possible benefit from the government programs or civil or military service of the United States, a state, or a subdivision. (l) [Repealed, § 15 ch 83 SLA 2004.] (m) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to records, reports, and statements shall be construed to mean that, with respect to a record, report, or statement concerning the affairs of the principal, whether arising in the state or elsewhere, the principal authorizes the agent to (1) keep records of cash received and disbursed for or on account of the principal, of all credits and debits to the account of the principal, and of all transactions affecting the assets and liabilities of the principal; (2) prepare, execute, and file all tax, social security, unemployment insurance, and information returns required by the laws of the United States, a state, or a subdivision, or of any foreign government, and prepare, execute, and file all other papers and instruments that the agent considers desirable or necessary for the safeguarding of the principal against excess or illegal taxation or against penalties imposed for claimed violation of a law or regulation; (3) prepare, execute, and file a record, report, or statement that the agent considers desirable or necessary for the safeguarding or maintenance of the principal's interest with respect to price, rent, wage, or rationing control, or any other governmental activity; (4) hire, discharge, or compensate an attorney, accountant, or assistant when the agent reasonably believes the action to be desirable for the proper execution of the powers described in this subsection; and (5) do any other act or acts that the principal can do through an agent in connection with the preparation, execution, filing, storage, or other use of any records, reports, or statements of or concerning the principal's affairs. (n) [Repealed, § 28 ch 50 SLA 2016.] (o) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with respect to all other matters shall be construed to mean that the principal authorizes the person designated in the power of attorney to act as an agent of the principal with respect to (1) matters specifically described as other matters in the statutory form power of attorney; and (2) any other matter that is not enumerated in or excluded by this section and that the principal can lawfully do through an agent. (p) In a statutory form power of attorney, the language conferring general authority with regard to voter registration and absentee ballot requests shall be construed to mean that the principal authorizes the agent to register the principal to vote or request an absentee ballot for the principal. (q) In a statutory form power of attorney, unless the power of attorney otherwise provides, the language conferring specific authority with respect to gift transactions shall be construed to mean that the principal authorizes the agent only (1) to make a gift of the principal's property only as the agent determines is consistent with the principal's objectives if actually known by the agent and, if unknown, as the agent determines is consistent with the principal's best interest based on all relevant factors, including (A) the value and nature of the principal's property; (B) the principal's foreseeable obligations and need for maintenance; (C) minimization of taxes, including income, estate, inheritance, generation-skipping transfer, and gift taxes; (D) eligibility for a benefit, a program, or assistance under a statute or regulation; and (E) the principal's personal history of making or joining in making gifts; (2) subject to (1) of this subsection, to make outright to, or for the benefit of, a person, a gift of any of the principal's property, including by the exercise of a presently exercisable general power of appointment held by the principal, in an amount for each donee not to exceed the annual dollar limits of the federal gift tax exclusion under 26 U.S.C. 2503(b) (Internal Revenue Code), as amended, without regard to whether the federal gift tax exclusion applies to the gift, or if the principal's spouse agrees to consent to a split gift under 26 U.S.C. 2513 (Internal Revenue Code), as amended, in an amount for each donee not to exceed twice the annual federal gift tax exclusion limit; in this paragraph, “presently exercisable general power of appointment,” with respect to property or a property interest subject to a power of appointment, means power exercisable at the time in question to vest absolute ownership in the principal individually, the principal's estate, the principal's creditors, or the creditors of the principal's estate; the term includes a power of appointment not exercisable until the occurrence of a specified event, the satisfaction of an ascertainable standard, or the passage of a specified period only after the occurrence of the specified event, the satisfaction of the ascertainable standard, or the passage of the specified period; the term does not include a power exercisable in a fiduciary capacity or only by will; and (3) subject to (1) of this subsection, to consent, under 26 U.S.C. 2513 (Internal Revenue Code), as amended, to the splitting of a gift made by the principal's spouse in an amount for each donee not to exceed the aggregate annual gift tax exclusions for both spouses. Sec. 13.26.670. Validity of modified statutory form power of attorney. A power of attorney that satisfies the requirements of AS 13.26.645 — 13.26.665 is not prevented from being a statutory form power of attorney by the fact that it also contains additional language that (1) eliminates from the power of attorney one or more of the powers enumerated in one or more of the subsections of 13.26.665 with respect to a section of the statutory form power of attorney that is not eliminated by the principal; (2) supplements one or more of the powers enumerated in one or more of the subsections of AS 13.26.665 with respect to a section of the statutory form power of attorney that is not eliminated by the principal by specifically listing additional powers of the agent; (3) makes an additional provision that is not substantially inconsistent with the other provisions of the statutory form power of attorney; or (4) relieves an agent of liability for breach of a duty under AS 13.26.610 , except to the extent the provision (A) relieves the agent of liability for breach of duty committed dishonestly, with an improper motive, or with reckless indifference to the purposes of the power of attorney or the best interest of the principal; or (B) was inserted as a result of an abuse of a confidential or fiduciary relationship with the principal. Sec. 13.26.675. When statutory form power of attorney is not affected by incapacity of principal. (a) The subsequent incapacity of a principal does not revoke or terminate the authority of an agent who acts under a power of attorney in a writing executed by a principal if the writing contains the words “This power of attorney shall become effective upon the incapacity of the principal,” or contains the words “This power of attorney shall not be affected by the subsequent incapacity of the principal,” or words substantially similar showing the intent of the principal that the authority conferred shall be exercisable notwithstanding the principal's subsequent incapacity or uncertainty as to whether the principal is dead or alive. (b) An act done by an agent under a power granted in a power of attorney under AS 13.26.645 — 13.26.665 during a period of incapacity or uncertainty as to whether the principal is dead or alive has the same effect and enures to the benefit of and binds a principal and the principal's distributees, devisees, legatees, and personal representatives as if there were no incapacity of the principal. If a conservator is later appointed for the principal, during the continuance of the appointment , the agent is accountable to the conservator as well as to the principal. The conservator has the same power to revoke, suspend, or terminate the power of attorney that the principal would have if there was no incapacity of the principal. Sec. 13.26.680. Provisions applicable to statutory form power of attorney. (a) For purposes of AS 13.26.645 — 13.26.665, (1) the incapacity of a principal shall be established by affidavit stating that the principal is unable to manage property or business affairs because the principal (A) has an impairment in the ability to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions even with the use of technological assistance, and this impairment is the result of mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness, physical disability, advanced age, use of drugs, chronic intoxication, or other similar medical or psychological reason, to such an extent that the principal is unable to manage the principal's property or affairs; or (B) is (i) missing; (ii) detained, including incarcerated in a penal system; or (iii) outside the United States and unable to return; and (2) if the incapacity is based on (1)(A) of this subsection, two physicians or similarly qualified medical professionals who have personally examined the principal shall sign the affidavit; however, the affidavit may be signed by only one physician or similarly qualified medical professional if only one physician or similarly qualified medical professional is available and the affidavit executed by the person states that only one physician or similarly qualified medical professional is available. (b) A third party who relies on the reasonable representations of an agent designated under AS 13.26.645 — 13.26.670 as to a matter relating to a power granted by a properly executed statutory form power of attorney does not incur a liability to the principal or the principal's heirs, assigns, or estate as a result of permitting the agent to exercise the authority granted by the power of attorney. (c) [Repealed, § 28 ch 50 SLA 2016.] Sec. 13.26.695. Definitions. In AS 13.26.600 — 13.26.695, (1) “benefits from government programs or civil or military service” means a benefit, a program, or assistance provided under a statute or regulation, including social security, Medicare, and Medicaid; (2) “good faith” means honesty in fact; (3) “incapacity” means inability of an individual to manage property or business affairs because the individual (A) has an impairment in the ability to receive and evaluate information or make or communicate decisions even with the use of technological assistance; or (B) is (i) missing; (ii) detained, including incarcerated in a penal system; or (iii) outside the United States and unable to return; (4) “retirement plan” means a plan or account created by an employer, the principal, or another individual to provide retirement benefits or deferred compensation of which the principal is a participant, beneficiary, or owner, including a plan or account under the following sections of 26 U.S.C. (Internal Revenue Code): (A) an individual retirement account under 26 U.S.C. 408 (Internal Revenue Code), as amended; (B) a Roth IRA under 26 U.S.C. 408A (Internal Revenue Code), as amended; (C) an individual retirement account under 26 U.S.C. 408(q) (Internal Revenue Code), as amended; (D) an annuity or custodial account under 26 U.S.C. 403(b) (Internal Revenue Code), as amended; (E) a pension, profit-sharing, stock bonus, or other retirement plan qualified under 26 U.S.C. 401(a) (Internal Revenue Code), as amended; (F) a plan under 26 U.S.C. 457(b) (Internal Revenue Code), as amended; and (G) a nonqualified deferred compensation plan under 26 U.S.C. 409A (Internal Revenue Code), as amended. Article 6. Public Guardians. Sec. 13.26.700. Purpose. The legislature recognizes that many Alaskans, for reasons of incapacity or minority, are in need of a guardian or conservator. Often these persons cannot find a person able and willing to serve as guardian or conservator. The legislature intends through AS 13.26.700 — 13.26.750 to establish the function of public guardian for the purpose of furnishing guardianship and conservatorship services. It further intends by establishing this function to provide assistance to guardians throughout the state in securing necessary services for their wards and to assist the courts, attorneys, visitors, respondents, and proposed guardians in the orderly and expeditious handling of guardianship proceedings. Sec. 13.26.710. Public guardian. (a) The office of public advocacy ( AS 44.21.400 ) shall serve as the public guardian. (b) A court may order the public guardian to act as full guardian, partial guardian, conservator, or special conservator for a person who is determined under this chapter to be in need of guardianship or conservatorship service if no person or private guardianship association is willing and qualified to perform the function. Sec. 13.26.720. Powers and duties of public guardian. (a) The public guardian has the same powers and duties with respect to the public guardian's wards and protected persons as a private guardian or conservator. (b) The public guardian, when appointed as guardian or conservator, shall endeavor, for as long as practical, to find a suitable private guardian or conservator for the public guardian's ward or protected person. For each ward and protected person, the public guardian shall include in its annual report under AS 13.26.276 (a) to the court having jurisdiction of the ward or protected person information on the availability of a private guardian or conservator. (c) The public guardian shall (1) establish and maintain relationships with governmental, public, and private agencies, institutions, and organizations to assure the most effective guardianship or conservatorship program for each ward and protected person; (2) visit each of the public guardian's wards and protected persons at least once every quarter to monitor their welfare; (3) keep and maintain financial and statistical records of all cases in which the public guardian provides guardianship or conservatorship services; (4) provide information and referrals to the public regarding guardianship and conservatorship proceedings, but not information that would identify a particular case; (5) assist guardians and court-appointed visitors of wards and respondents in the preparation and revision of guardianship plans and reports; (6) assist guardians to understand the disabilities of wards and to foster the increased independence of wards; (7) assist guardians in securing the rights, benefits, and services to which their wards are entitled; (8) develop and maintain a current listing of public and private medical, mental health, social advocacy, educational, rehabilitative, counseling, therapeutic, homemaking, recreational, and financial services and programs available to assist wards and protected persons and their families. (d) The public guardian may (1) contract for services necessary to carry out the duties of the public guardian's office; (2) accept the services of volunteer workers or consultants and reimburse them for their necessary expenses. (e) The records required to be kept and maintained under (c)(3) of this section are confidential and are not subject to inspection or copying under AS 40.25.110 — 40.25.120 unless the records are relevant to an investigation or proceeding involving the public guardian or a case in which the public guardian provided guardianship or conservatorship services. Sec. 13.26.730. Intervention by public guardian. The public guardian may, on the public guardian's own motion or at the request of the court, intervene in a guardianship or conservatorship proceeding if the public guardian or the court considers the intervention to be justified because (1) an appointed guardian or conservator is not fulfilling duties; (2) the estate is subject to waste as a result of the costs of the guardianship or conservatorship; (3) a willing and qualified guardian or conservator is not available; or (4) the best interests of the ward, respondent, protected person, or person who is the subject of a conservatorship proceeding require the intervention. Sec. 13.26.740. Staff; delegation of powers and duties. The public guardian may employ staff and delegate to members of the staff or to volunteers the powers and duties as guardian or conservator and other powers and duties under this chapter. However, the public guardian retains responsibility for the proper performance of the delegated powers and duties. The public guardian may only delegate powers and duties under this chapter to an individual who meets the eligibility requirements of AS 13.26.311 and has passed the criminal history record information check under AS 08.26.070 . In addition, the individual must either hold a current certification as a guardian from a nationally recognized organization at the time of the delegation or apply for and receive that certification within one year of the delegation. Sec. 13.26.750. Allocation of costs of public guardian. (a) The commissioner of administration may establish by regulation a schedule of reasonable fees for the costs of the public guardian's services. The fee schedule established may be based upon the ability of the ward or protected person to pay for guardian services but may not exceed the actual cost of providing public guardian services. The office of public advocacy shall charge and collect the fees established under this subsection, but may waive collection of a fee upon a finding that collection is not economically feasible or in the public interest. (b) [Repealed, § 79 ch 63 SLA 1993.] (c) The public guardian may investigate the financial status of (1) a person who requests the appointment of the public guardian as the person's guardian or conservator; and (2) a ward for whom a court has appointed the public guardian. (d) The public guardian may require a person described in (c) of this section to execute and deliver written requests or authorizations necessary under law to provide the public guardian with access to records of public or private sources, otherwise confidential, needed to evaluate the person's financial eligibility. The public guardian may, upon request and without payment of fees otherwise required by law, obtain information from any office of the state or of a political subdivision or agency of the state that possesses public records. (e) Before the office of public advocacy releases a ward's funds following the termination of the public guardian's appointment, the office may collect from the ward's funds held by the office the reasonable value of the services rendered without cost to the ward or protected person. (f) The annual estimated balance in the account maintained under AS 37.05.142 may be used by the legislature to make appropriations to the Department of Administration to carry out the purposes of AS 44.21.400 — 44.21.410 (office of public advocacy).