Alaska

Overview In Alaska, parents can request changes to custody, visitation (parenting time), or child support after a divorce, but the court only grants modifications when there has been a material change in circumstances since the last order. The court also must find that the requested change is in the best interests of the child. This…

Overview Divorce in Alaska is designed to be accessible for both represented and self-represented individuals. The Alaska Court System provides a comprehensive framework for residents to complete their divorce without hiring an attorney, particularly when both spouses agree on all terms or when financial and custody matters are straightforward. This approach reflects Alaska’s unique geography…

Overview Alaska does have timing rules that affect when a divorce can become final, but the picture is more nuanced than a single one-size-fits-all “waiting period.” For self-represented (pro se) Alaskans, the key is understanding how three clocks overlap: (1) the statutory scheduling window for joint dissolutions (typically a hearing held between day 30 and…

Overview Yes. Alaska allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce. The no-fault option—“incompatibility of temperament”—is by far the most common and simplest route for self-represented (pro se) couples. Under Alaska Statute §25.24.050(a)(7), a marriage may be dissolved when “incompatibility of temperament has caused the irremediable breakdown of the marriage.” This phrase means that the relationship simply…

Overview Yes, you can get a divorce in Alaska even if your spouse lives outside the state. Alaska courts have jurisdiction to dissolve a marriage when at least one spouse is a resident at the time of filing. Under Alaska Statute §25.24.080, the key requirement is residency—not joint presence. However, while the court can grant…

Overview In Alaska, property division during a divorce follows the principle of equitable distribution. This means that marital property is divided fairly—but not necessarily equally—between spouses. Judges look at many factors, including each spouse’s earning ability, contributions to the marriage, length of the relationship, and post-divorce economic circumstances. Alaska’s framework is designed to recognize both…

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…

Overview In Alaska, couples who wish to legally end their marriage have two main options under state law: dissolution or divorce. Both processes ultimately terminate the marriage and result in a Final Decree issued by the court, but the paths differ in structure, required paperwork, and whether the spouses agree on all terms. Understanding this…

Recently updated on October 25th, 2025 at 04:34 amOverview Divorce in Alaska follows a structured process designed to ensure fairness, notice, and due process while respecting Alaska’s vast geography and limited court resources. For self-represented (pro se) individuals, the total time to finalize a divorce depends on several variables: the level of agreement between spouses,…

Recently updated on October 25th, 2025 at 04:34 amOverview Alaska’s residency rule for filing a divorce (or dissolution) is intentionally straightforward for self-represented people: at least one spouse must be an Alaska resident on the date of filing. In plain terms, that means you are physically present in Alaska when you file and you intend…