Overview

Filing for divorce in Alaska involves a structured set of forms published by the Alaska Court System. These forms ensure that both the petitioner and the respondent disclose finances, address parenting arrangements, and comply with statutory requirements under Alaska Statutes §25.24.200 – 260 and Alaska Civil Rules 90.1 and 90.3. For self-represented individuals, the process may look intimidating, but Alaska’s judiciary intentionally designs its paperwork in plain language so ordinary citizens can manage their own filings without an attorney. Selecting the correct forms at the outset prevents clerk rejections, delays, and repeat filings that could add weeks to the process.

The specific forms you must file depend on whether you are pursuing a **divorce** (one spouse files alone and serves the other) or a **dissolution** (both spouses file jointly). In both cases, the court requires consistent disclosure and proper completion of financial, property, and child-related affidavits. This guide explains, step by step, which documents are mandatory, which are situational, and how to prepare them correctly. Each step focuses on helping pro se Alaskans gather the proper paperwork, file it correctly, and move their case efficiently through the Superior Court system.

Who Can Apply and Benefits of Using Official Forms

Any married person who is a resident of Alaska—or whose spouse is—can file for divorce using Alaska’s official family-law forms. Residency is established by living in Alaska with intent to remain, and military personnel stationed in the state generally qualify as residents. Using the **official forms** provides three major advantages:

• Clerk acceptance: Every district clerk in Alaska recognizes these standardized PDFs. Submitting them guarantees that your case will be docketed without “non-compliant form” delays.
• Legal completeness: The forms already include statutory disclosures required by Civil Rule 90.1 and 90.3, preventing accidental omission of financial or custody data.
• Accessibility and cost savings: They can be downloaded free of charge from the Alaska Court System website. Typed, legible filings dramatically reduce processing time and avoid the expense of attorney drafting.

Pro se litigants benefit further because each packet includes “Information Sheets” and instructions tailored to typical scenarios—divorces with and without children, cases involving property, and motions for fee waivers. Completing them carefully from the start shortens the timeline and gives you control over your case.

Step 1: Start with the Correct Case Type and Identify Your Form Set

Alaska recognizes two filing paths: **divorce** (one-party) and **dissolution** (joint). The required forms differ, so the first decision is choosing your path.

If your spouse will not sign the same petition or if disagreements exist about property, custody, or support, you must file a **Complaint for Divorce (Form DR-101)**. This initiates a standard civil case in which the other spouse is formally served and given time to respond. If you and your spouse agree on every issue and will both sign, you may file a **Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form DR-100)** instead. Clerks treat these as separate workflows, so using the wrong starting form can delay acceptance.

The divorce packet (for one-party filings) contains:

• Complaint for Divorce (DR-101)
• Summons (CIV-100)
• Case Description Form (CIV-125)
• Information Sheet (DR-314)
• Child Custody Jurisdiction Affidavit (DR-150) if children are involved
• Income and Expense Statement (DR-250)
• Property and Debt Statement (DR-255)
• Child Support Guidelines Affidavit (DR-305) and Child Support Order (DR-300)

The dissolution packet (for joint filings) includes similar financial forms but replaces the complaint and summons with a single jointly signed petition. Collect all documents from the official website rather than third-party templates; unofficial versions risk rejection or outdated statutory references. Double-check version dates in the lower-right corner—Alaska courts regularly update them.

Step 2: Complete the Case Information and Jurisdiction Sections Properly

Every divorce filing begins with clear identification of the court’s jurisdiction and parties. The top of the Complaint for Divorce or Petition for Dissolution lists the judicial district and case number. Alaska has four judicial districts (First – Juneau, Second – Nome, Third – Anchorage, Fourth – Fairbanks). File where you or your spouse resides. The case title should read exactly: “In the Superior Court for the State of Alaska, Third Judicial District at Anchorage.” Mis-naming the district triggers rejection because venue determines which judge and clerk process your paperwork.

Next, fill in your names consistently. The first party listed becomes the **Plaintiff** (or Petitioner in a dissolution), and the second is the **Defendant** (or Co-Petitioner). Use full legal names matching identification cards. Do not use nicknames. On subsequent pages—financial statements, affidavits, parenting plans—maintain the same order of names. Clerks and judges rely on that consistency to track who owes which duty.

In the “Residence” field, list your current Alaska address and note how long you have lived there. The court needs this to confirm jurisdiction. Under AS 25.24.090, one spouse must be a resident at filing; proof may be a driver’s license, lease, or military orders showing Alaska as home of record.

Attach the Case Description Form (CIV-125). It flags your case type (“Divorce with Children” or “without Children”) and identifies related protective orders or prior family cases. This form ensures assignment to the correct judge and docket code. Inaccurate selections can misroute your file, adding weeks of delay. Review it carefully before submission.

Lastly, sign and date the Information Sheet (DR-314). It asks for contact information, email addresses, and whether either party seeks an interpreter or disability accommodation. Alaska encourages email notification for pro se parties, but you must consent by checking the box authorizing electronic delivery. Without this consent, you’ll receive paper mail only, slowing updates. Completing these administrative forms properly sets the foundation for everything else.

Step 3: Prepare the Financial Disclosure Forms Accurately

Financial disclosure is mandatory for all Alaska divorces and dissolutions. Courts cannot issue a final decree without verified income and asset data under Civil Rule 90.1. The two principal forms—Income and Expense Statement (DR-250) and Property and Debt Statement (DR-255)—create the financial foundation for property division, support, and debt allocation.

In Form DR-250, list gross monthly income from all sources: wages, self-employment, Permanent Fund Dividends, military pay, unemployment, or benefits. Deduct mandatory withholdings (taxes, Social Security, retirement). For irregular income, average it across the previous 12 months. Document each entry with pay stubs or statements. Under “Expenses,” estimate reasonable monthly costs—housing, utilities, food, childcare, transportation, insurance. The goal is transparency, not precision; round to the nearest $10. Courts verify reasonableness, not perfection.

In Form DR-255, list property and debts separately for “Husband” and “Wife.” Include real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement plans, household goods, and credit obligations. Indicate which items you propose to keep and which your spouse keeps. List estimated fair-market values. Do not omit small assets; Alaska judges prefer complete inventories. Attach additional pages if needed, labeled “Continuation of DR-255.”

For cases with children, attach the Child Support Guidelines Affidavit (DR-305) and proposed Child Support Order (DR-300). These ensure compliance with Rule 90.3 and prevent under- or over-payment. Parents should also file the Custody Jurisdiction Affidavit (DR-150) identifying where the children have lived for the past five years. Missing this form stops the court from entering custody orders.

Accuracy matters: every financial statement you sign is under penalty of perjury. Errors can invalidate the decree or invite future litigation. Before filing, exchange copies with your spouse to ensure transparency. Maintain a digital binder containing all supporting documents—bank statements, vehicle titles, and tax returns. Doing so simplifies future modifications or audits by Child Support Services.

Step 4: Prepare Parenting and Custody Forms if Minor Children Are Involved

When minor children are part of a divorce, additional documentation is required to protect their interests. Alaska courts require four key forms:

• Child Custody Jurisdiction Affidavit (DR-150) – Lists each child’s residence for the past five years to comply with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).
• Shared or Joint Custody Support Calculation (Attachment to DR-305) – If parents share custody unequally, this worksheet ensures accurate Rule 90.3 support amounts.
• Parent Education Program Certificate – Proof of completion of the mandatory co-parenting class (typically three hours online or in person).
• Parenting Plan (Attachment or separate document) – Outlines custody schedule, holiday rotations, and decision-making authority.

Courts scrutinize these documents carefully to confirm that the arrangement serves the child’s best interests. Incomplete or inconsistent entries often trigger requests for clarification. If both parents agree on custody, sign a joint plan and include it in the packet. If not, submit separate proposals to help the judge compare options efficiently.

Attach your completed Child Support Guidelines Affidavit (DR-305) and support order draft to ensure financial readiness. The court uses these numbers to calculate support automatically at the hearing. Be prepared to verify income sources and childcare expenses on record. Parents should also submit proof of health insurance availability to confirm coverage obligations.

Submitting organized and consistent parenting forms demonstrates responsibility and reduces judicial oversight. Once these forms are on file, you are ready to proceed to filing and service (steps 5-10).

Step 5: Assemble, Review, and Organize Your Divorce Packet Before Filing

Before filing, take time to organize your entire divorce packet. The Alaska Superior Court clerks expect filings to be orderly, complete, and labeled in the order listed in their official checklist. Start by printing each completed form on white 8.5×11-inch paper, one-sided, using black ink. Typed entries are strongly preferred; handwriting is accepted only if legible. Place the Case Description Form (CIV-125) and Complaint or Petition on top, followed by financial disclosures, custody forms, and affidavits. Attach all supporting documentation—pay stubs, bank statements, vehicle titles—behind the relevant form. Use paper clips rather than staples, since courts scan every page for electronic storage.

Accuracy and internal consistency are critical. Review names, addresses, dates, and totals across all forms. The child’s date of birth on DR-150 must match that on the Parenting Plan; property totals must align between DR-255 and the decree draft. When data conflicts, clerks issue a “Deficiency Notice,” halting your progress. Build a simple verification table on a scratch sheet listing: form name, date completed, signatures, and notarization status. Check off each item before submission.

If you included notarized affidavits—such as an Affidavit of Residency or the Income Statement—verify that each bears a valid Alaska notary seal or authorized online-notary certificate. Alaska allows remote notarization under AS 44.50.075, but printouts must show the electronic seal clearly. Sign all forms with blue or black ink only, avoiding digital fonts that resemble signatures unless explicitly allowed by your district’s e-filing pilot.

Once printed, create two complete sets: one original for the court and one copy for yourself. If you anticipate service disputes, prepare a third “service copy” for the respondent. Label each packet’s cover sheet with your name, phone, and email. Courts appreciate pro se litigants who present well-structured packets—it signals diligence and speeds clerk intake. Store digital versions in a single folder named “Alaska Divorce Forms – [Your Name],” with subfolders for “Financial,” “Parenting,” and “Proof of Service.” Back up this folder on a cloud service for easy reference.

Before you file, read the district’s local administrative order or web page to confirm if they accept electronic filings. Anchorage and Fairbanks allow pilot e-filing for some self-represented parties; rural courts may still require paper submission. If e-filing, merge your PDFs into one combined document in the court-specified order (Complaint → Affidavits → Attachments). Ensure file size remains under 30 MB; compress using a reputable PDF utility if needed. The portal typically asks you to categorize each document (Complaint, Income Statement, etc.)—choose the correct label or risk rejection.

A disciplined pre-filing review can shorten your divorce timeline by several weeks. Clerks note that over half of rejected submissions involve missing signatures or mismatched names. Treat this step as a quality-assurance audit. Once everything checks out, you are ready to proceed with official filing and payment or fee-waiver submission.

Step 6: File Your Divorce Forms and Pay (or Waive) the Filing Fee

Filing transforms your paperwork into an official court case. Alaska allows in-person filing at the Superior Court Clerk’s Office or by mail; some urban courts pilot limited e-filing portals. Bring your organized packet, valid identification, and payment method. As of 2025, the base filing fee for a divorce or dissolution is $250–$300, payable by cash, check, or credit card. If you cannot afford this, complete the Application for Waiver of Court Fees (Form TF-920) and attach supporting proof such as pay stubs or public-assistance verification. Clerks review fee waivers the same day or forward them to a judge for quick decision.

When filing in person, the clerk stamps each document with the official time and date. Ask for a stamped copy for your records—this is your proof of filing. The clerk will then assign a case number (e.g., “3AN-25-01234 CI”) and enter your contact details for notifications. If filing by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return your stamped copy and receipt. The clock for next steps—service and response—starts only when the clerk accepts and logs your documents, not when you drop them in the mail.

Double-check that your packet includes all required forms listed in the official Checklist for Divorce without Children (DR-200) or with Children (DR-210). Missing even one affidavit can put the file on “pending” status. Clerks cannot give legal advice but may flag missing paperwork. If they note omissions, thank them, correct the issue, and resubmit promptly. Filing accuracy saves significant time.

Keep your receipt and case number safe—it’s required for payments, hearing inquiries, and tracking on CourtView. After acceptance, the clerk will provide instructions for serving the other spouse (if applicable). At this stage, your divorce officially exists as a pending civil case within Alaska’s judicial system.

Step 7: Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Papers

Service ensures your spouse receives legal notice of the case—a constitutional requirement before the court can grant relief. Alaska Civil Rule 4 outlines accepted service methods. For divorce (not dissolution), you must serve a filed copy of the Complaint for Divorce, Summons, and all attachments. You cannot serve the papers yourself. Common options include:

• Certified Mail: Mail the documents with “Return Receipt Requested – Restricted Delivery.” When your spouse signs, the green card proves service. If returned unclaimed, you must attempt another method.
• Sheriff or Process Server: Hire the local sheriff’s office or a licensed server to hand-deliver papers. They will file a Proof of Service (Affidavit) once complete.
• Waiver of Service (Form CIV-130): If your spouse agrees, they may sign this notarized waiver, eliminating mailing delays.
• Service by Publication: If your spouse’s whereabouts are unknown, file a Motion & Affidavit for Service by Publication (Form CIV-145) and publish notice for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper or on the Alaska Court System website.

Once service is perfected, the respondent has 20 days to file an Answer (Form DR-105) if living in Alaska or 30 days if outside the state. Failure to respond allows you to request a Default Judgment (Form CIV-150). Keep every postal receipt, affidavit, and email related to service; courts require proof before proceeding.

Many self-represented litigants lose momentum during this step. To stay organized, log service attempts with dates and tracking numbers. Set reminders for the answer deadline and follow up immediately after expiration. Proper, timely service keeps your case moving and demonstrates procedural competence to the judge.

Step 8: Respond to or Monitor the Answer and Schedule Hearings

After service, watch your case status carefully. If your spouse files an Answer (DR-105), you will receive a mailed or emailed copy. Read it thoroughly to identify points of agreement and dispute. If both parties agree on all terms, you can jointly file a Settlement Agreement or Joint Motion for Decree without Hearing. If disagreements remain, the clerk will schedule a case-management or pre-trial conference. Courts often require mediation in custody cases before a final hearing date.

If your spouse fails to respond by the deadline, file a Request for Default Judgment (CIV-150) with an affidavit proving service and a proposed decree. Clerks then forward it to a judge for review. Default judgments usually issue within 30 days if paperwork is complete.

For contested cases, gather all supporting evidence—bank statements, communications, parenting calendars—before the hearing. File and serve these exhibits at least 10 days before trial unless the judge orders otherwise. During the hearing, both sides testify and present documents. Judges prioritize children’s welfare and equitable property division. Keep your testimony factual and concise.

Whether uncontested or contested, the court eventually issues a Final Decree of Divorce (DR-710) or Decree of Dissolution (DR-720). This document legally ends your marriage. Obtain at least two certified copies for future transactions.

Step 9: Implement the Court’s Orders and Update Legal Records

Once the decree is signed, your responsibilities shift from litigation to implementation. Begin by completing all property transfers, title changes, and support registrations. For real estate, record deeds at the Alaska Recorder’s Office. For vehicles, update titles at the DMV. Send certified decree copies to banks or pension administrators to split accounts or execute QDROs. If child or spousal support was ordered, register with the Child Support Services Division (CSSD) to automate payments.

Next, update personal identification: Social Security Administration for name changes, IRS Form W-4 for tax status, and local voter registration. Close joint accounts and open separate ones to avoid future liability. Maintain a log of each completed task with confirmation numbers or receipts; these documents prove compliance if disputes arise.

Failure to implement decree terms can lead to enforcement motions. If your ex-spouse does not transfer property or pay ordered support, you may file a Motion to Enforce Judgment (Form CIV-300). Judges in Alaska typically schedule enforcement hearings within three weeks. Bring proof such as email correspondence, bank statements, or return receipts. Clear documentation usually resolves issues quickly without further litigation.

By proactively completing these post-decree tasks, you close the loop on your case and prevent credit or ownership complications later.

Step 10: Maintain Records, Seek Modifications When Necessary, and Finalize Closure

After completion, maintain meticulous records. Store certified decrees, property receipts, QDRO acknowledgments, and support ledgers digitally and physically. Alaska courts often require prior decrees for subsequent custody or support modifications, so preserving them prevents future hassle. Use descriptive filenames and encrypted storage to protect privacy.

Life changes may justify modification. If income shifts by ±15%, file a Motion to Modify Child Support (Form DR-301). Custody changes require a Motion to Modify Custody (Form DR-300) demonstrating a substantial change in circumstances and best-interest analysis. Spousal support modifications are rare and allowed only when expressly reserved in the decree. Always attach updated financial affidavits (DR-250, DR-255) and proof of income.

If you believe a legal or factual error occurred, you may appeal to the Alaska Supreme Court within 30 days of decree entry using Notice of Appeal (Form AP-100). Appeals focus strictly on the existing record, not new evidence. Most pro se filers resolve issues locally through motion practice rather than full appeals.

Finally, track all future obligations—refinance deadlines, title transfers, parenting-exchange schedules—and confirm completion in writing. After six months of consistent compliance, archive your case file. The divorce is then not only legally complete but administratively finished.

Typical Costs (Self-Represented Filers)

For self-represented Alaskans filing for divorce or dissolution, the total cost largely depends on filing fees, service costs, and optional third-party services. The **base filing fee** for either a divorce or dissolution is typically $250–$300. This fee is paid to the Superior Court clerk when submitting your paperwork. If both spouses file jointly for a dissolution, one fee covers both parties. However, if you are filing alone for divorce, you are responsible for the full fee. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card at most courthouses. Rural locations may also accept money orders.

If paying this upfront is difficult, Alaska courts allow the submission of an Application for Waiver of Court Fees (Form TF-920). You’ll attach income proof such as pay stubs, benefit statements, or unemployment records. Judges frequently approve these waivers for qualifying low-income filers, which covers the initial filing, certified copies, and future hearing costs. Fee waivers do not cover private services such as process servers or publication costs.

You will also need to budget for **service of process** if your spouse must be officially served. Certified mail typically costs $10–$20, while hiring a process server may range from $50–$100. If the spouse’s location is unknown and you must serve by publication, expect to pay about $150–$250 to run a four-week newspaper notice or to publish online through the Alaska Court System’s approved portal.

Other routine costs include:

• Certified Copies of Decree: $5–$10 each (you’ll need at least two—one for personal records and one for agencies like DMV or SSA).
• Notary Services: $5–$15 per document if not completed at the courthouse or bank.
• Parenting Classes: $25–$60 per parent if you have minor children.
• QDRO Preparation: $300–$600 per retirement plan, if dividing pensions or 401(k)s.
• Deed Recording: $30–$40 for real property title updates.
• Vehicle Title Transfer: $15–$25 at the DMV.

If you and your spouse cannot finalize terms and choose to mediate, plan for $150–$300/hour. Most mediations finish within two to three hours, making it cheaper and faster than courtroom hearings. Couples using online document-preparation services may spend an additional $50–$150 for digital assembly and form-fill assistance.

Altogether, a typical self-represented dissolution runs between $250 and $600, while a simple uncontested divorce may total $400–$800. Contested divorces involving service complications or mediation can reach $1,200 or more—but still remain far below attorney-managed costs, which commonly exceed $5,000. By downloading and submitting forms directly from the Alaska Court System website, filers avoid hidden fees and guarantee their paperwork matches current statutory requirements.

Time Required

The timeline for completing a divorce or dissolution in Alaska depends on agreement, accuracy, and service. A fully agreed **dissolution** can be finalized within 30–60 days after filing, making it the fastest route. Under Alaska Statute §25.24.220, the court sets a hearing date between 30 and 90 days from filing. Because both spouses sign and appear voluntarily, there are no delays for service or discovery. At the hearing, the judge reviews the forms, confirms both understand and accept the agreement, and signs the Decree of Dissolution immediately.

A **divorce**, by contrast, usually takes longer because it requires service and potential response time. After filing, the respondent has 20 days to answer if in Alaska or 30 days if out of state. If they do not respond, the petitioner can file a Request for Default Judgment. If they answer, the case moves to scheduling conferences and possible mediation before trial. Most uncontested divorces resolve in 8–12 weeks, while contested divorces average 4–6 months from filing to decree.

Delays most often arise from incomplete forms, missing service proof, or scheduling congestion. Rural courts (like Bethel or Kotzebue) sometimes consolidate hearings, which can extend waiting periods. Online tracking via CourtView helps you monitor your case status and decree issuance.

After the decree, post-divorce implementation (name changes, title transfers, or QDRO filings) generally adds another 30–60 days. Couples who create a 30/60/90-day task checklist for implementing all decree actions—property, banking, and insurance—report the smoothest transitions.

Limitations & Practical Cautions

• Residency Requirement: One spouse must be an Alaska resident when filing. For military members, Alaska must be listed as the “Home of Record.”
• Accuracy of Disclosures: Incomplete or inaccurate DR-250 or DR-255 forms can result in rejection or later modification. Courts expect truthful, detailed disclosures under oath.
• Dissolution Requires Agreement: If even one issue is disputed, you must convert to a divorce filing.
• Public Access: Financial affidavits are public record unless sealed by motion. Avoid listing unnecessary account numbers or sensitive details.
• Finality of Property Division: Once entered, property allocations are permanent absent fraud or concealment.
• Mandatory Child Support Compliance: Rule 90.3 calculations cannot be waived, even by mutual consent.
• Enforcement Responsibility: Courts authorize, but do not execute, your decree obligations. You must record deeds, update titles, and close accounts yourself.
• Appeal Window: You have 30 days after decree entry to appeal to the Alaska Supreme Court. Late filings are dismissed automatically.

Authoritative Links

• Alaska Court System — Divorce & Dissolution Forms (Official PDFs)
• Alaska Self-Help Center — Divorce Instructions
• Alaska Statute §25.24.200–260 — Dissolution and Divorce Procedures
• Alaska Child Support Services Division (CSSD)
• Alaska Recorder’s Office — Property Deed Recording
• Alaska DMV — Title and Name Change Resources
• CourtView — Track Your Divorce Case Online