Divorce in Alaska

If you are getting divorced in Alaska, below you will find a helpful summary of the main laws on divorce and custody for AK, and be able access to the child support calculator, do it yourself divorce options, and more. You can also locate qualified divorce lawyers, support groups, and information about domestic abuse

※ Residency requirements: 

The spouse who files for divorce needs to be a resident of Alaska, unless the marriage occurred outside of Alaska and the other spouse is currently an Alaska resident. There is no residency time limit to file for divorce. Military personnel (and their spouses) who have been stationed in Alaska for 30 days or more can also file for a divorce in Alaska.

※ Steps to filing for a Divorce or Dissolution in Alaska: 

Divorce and dissolution papers are filed with the Superior Court. The respondent has 20 days from the date of being served in which to prepare and submit an answer to the divorce petition. If an answer isn't filed within the 20 day time limit, the plaintiff can file for a default divorce. Generally, there is a 30 day waiting period after the divorce is filed before a judge will sign the final decree.

※ What is the difference between dissolution and divorce?

A petition for dissolution can be filed jointly if both spouses agree on everything (dividing assets and debts, custody, alimony, etc.). If the spouses don't agree on everything, then one spouse can file for a divorce.

※ Legal Separation in Alaska: 

One spouse must be an Alaska resident to file for a legal separation. Military personnel must be stationed in Alaska for at least 30 days before filing for a legal separation. Custody of the minor children, child support, property and debt division, and alimony can be determined in a legal separation. If either spouse files for a divorce after a complaint for a legal separation is before the court, the two actions can be consolidated.