Prepare your documents for Dissolution or Divorce in Alaska

This website helps prepare the forms required for Dissolution or Divorce in Alaska.

An overview of the cases at is here

Start

HOW IT WORKS

Take-Screening

1. Take Screening

Start with an online screening tool to help determine if a Dissolution of Marriage is the right option for your situation.

Prepare-Documents

2. Prepare Documents

Instead of looking at the forms themselves, our system will help you complete your filing documents by having you answer all of the necessary information by topic. We will ask you questions in plain and non-legal language. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate your response anywhere it is needed on the forms.

questionAndAnswer

3. Consult Advocate (Optional)

In Alaska, you may consult a legal aid advocate or family law professional for help with a dissolution or divorce. They can review your paperwork, explain your rights, and ensure documents are complete making the process smoother, especially if you file without an attorney.

Submit-to-Court

4. File with the Clerk

To begin a dissolution or divorce in Alaska, you must file the required petition and supporting documents with the court in the judicial district where you or your spouse live. Court fees apply unless waived for financial hardship, and all necessary forms must be submitted together when filing.

Process

Step 1

Gather documentation – What do you need to file for dissolution or divorce in Alaska?

Gathering documentation strengthens your case when filing for a dissolution or divorce in Alaska. Providing organized and accurate paperwork ensures the process goes smoothly and minimizes delays.

The following are required or commonly accepted types of documentation under Alaska law:

Evidence Type 1: Petition for Dissolution or Complaint for Divorce

  • For a dissolution, both spouses must jointly file a Petition for Dissolution with the court.

  • For a divorce, one spouse files a Complaint for Divorce.
    These forms outline agreed or requested terms, including property division, debts, child custody, and spousal support.

Evidence Type 2: Property and Debt Division Agreement
Couples must submit written information on how they intend to divide assets, debts, and property. This ensures transparency and fairness in financial matters.

Evidence Type 3: Financial Declarations
Each spouse must complete financial disclosure forms. These include details about:

  • Income

  • Assets (bank accounts, vehicles, real estate)

  • Debts (credit cards, loans)

  • Monthly expenses
    The court uses these to verify fairness in division and support arrangements.

Evidence Type 4: Parenting Plan (If Minor Children Involved)
If children are involved, parents must file a Parenting Plan that addresses:

  • Custody and visitation schedules

  • Holiday/vacation arrangements

  • Decision-making responsibilities

  • Child support provisions
    This plan must be in the best interests of the child and approved by the court.

Evidence Type 5: Child Support Guidelines Affidavit
Alaska requires a Child Support Guidelines Affidavit when minor children are involved. This form calculates child support obligations using both parents’ incomes and parenting time. The court reviews it to ensure the support amount is appropriate.

Evidence Type 6: Court Appearance for Final Hearing
Whether through dissolution (joint) or divorce (contested/uncontested), at least one court hearing is usually required. The judge reviews the paperwork, confirms that all requirements are met, and issues the final decree of dissolution or divorce.

Step 2

You: Take Online Screening

Determine if your situation is suitable for filing a dissolution or divorce in Alaska by completing a brief screening. You can begin by entering your ZIP code or location to find resources for your local court.

Step 3

You: Create Case Documents - "Packet"

After the screening, this website will guide you through the rest of the steps to create your case documents.

Just so you know: To file for a dissolution or divorce in Alaska, you must complete and submit a specific set of official Alaska court forms. These forms include questions about your marriage, assets, debts, children (if any), and the agreements or requests you are making.

For dissolution, the most important form is the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, which must be jointly filed by both spouses along with agreements on property, debts, and parenting (if applicable).

For divorce, the process begins with one spouse filing a Complaint for Divorce, and the other spouse responding through the court process.

Step 4

You: File with the court. How to file for a dissolution or divorce in Alaska

Alaska requires you to file for a dissolution or divorce in person or by mail with the Clerk of Court in the judicial district where you or your spouse live. At this time, Alaska courts do not offer electronic filing for dissolution or divorce cases.

To formally ask the court to end your marriage, you (and your spouse, if filing jointly for dissolution) must submit your completed petition and all required supporting documents, such as financial declarations and any parenting agreements. This step is called filing.

Your case is filed with the Clerk of Court at your local Alaska Superior Court location. After filing, the clerk will assign a case number. For dissolution cases, the court will schedule a hearing date, which both spouses must attend. For divorce cases, hearings and timelines may vary depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested.

Step 5

Judge Reviews and Schedules Final Hearing

If the paperwork is complete and valid, the court will accept the filing and schedule a final hearing—usually within 30 to 60 days for dissolution. Divorce timelines may vary depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested.

If the judge finds that:

  • The forms are incomplete

  • Required agreements are missing

  • One or both parties are not in agreement (for dissolution)

  • The court lacks jurisdiction (e.g., residency requirements not met)

—then the case may be rejected, delayed, or in the case of dissolution, converted to a divorce proceeding instead. In some situations, the court may request additional documents, set a status hearing, or notify the parties to correct errors before moving forward.

Step 6

Clerk of Court: Issues Hearing Notice to Both Spouses

  • The Clerk of Court assigns a case number.
  • A notice of final hearing is issued.
  • In dissolution cases, both spouses must receive and acknowledge the hearing notice.

    In Alaska, the notice is usually provided at the time of filing, either in person or by mail. Unlike contested divorce cases, law enforcement is not involved in serving documents for a dissolution unless there is a separate legal matter (such as a domestic violence protective order).

    It is the responsibility of both spouses to attend the final dissolution hearing. If one spouse does not appear, the court may dismiss the case. In divorce cases, the attendance requirements may vary depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested.

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Step 7

You, Both Spouses: Attend the Final Court Hearing

After your petition is filed and accepted, the court will schedule a final hearing typically within 30 to 60 days for a dissolution. Both spouses must attend this hearing to finalize the case.

During the hearing, the judge will review:

  • The Petition for Dissolution (or Complaint for Divorce if applicable)

  • Agreements on property, debts, and parenting (if children are involved)

  • Financial disclosures

  • Any clarifications or updates since filing

If the judge finds that:

  • Both parties are present (for dissolution) or the divorce process requirements are met

  • The paperwork is complete and legally sufficient

  • All legal requirements have been met (including those related to children, if any)

 then the court can issue a Decree of Dissolution or Decree of Divorce, which legally ends the marriage.

Step 8

You: Receive the Final Decree of Dissolution

If the judge issues a Final Decree of Dissolution or Divorce at the hearing, you will receive an official copy of the order. Be sure to request and take a paper copy with you before leaving the courthouse, especially if you need it for name changes, financial accounts, property transfers, or other legal updates.

Some Alaska courts may also mail or provide certified copies upon request. If needed, you can obtain additional certified copies from the Clerk of Court for a small fee.

FAQs

Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the steps required to complete your dissolution or divorce documents and file your case with the court.

Core Forms

  • Certificate Of Divorce, Dissolution Of Marriage, Or Annulment
  • Petition For Dissolution Of Marriage No Minor Children
  • Information Sheet
  • Request to Waive Appearance at Hearing