Alaska Divorce with Children
Everything you need to know about divorce with children in Alaska — custody types, child support guidelines, parenting plans, and protecting your children through the process. Updated for 2026.
Types of Custody in Alaska
Legal Custody
The right to make major decisions about your child's education, healthcare, religion, and welfare.
Physical Custody
Determines where the child lives on a day-to-day basis and the parenting time schedule.
"Best Interests of the Child" Factors
Alaska courts consider multiple factors when determining custody arrangements:
Create your parenting plan with guidance
Divorce.ai helps you build a comprehensive parenting plan that meets Alaska court requirements.
Child Support in Alaska
Alaska uses the percentage of income model under Civil Rule 90.3. The noncustodial parent pays a percentage of adjusted annual income: 20% for one child, 27% for two children, 33% for three children, with additional percentages for more children. Adjusted income is gross income minus taxes, mandatory union dues, retirement contributions, and other mandatory deductions. The court may deviate from guidelines for good cause if the award is unjust.
Factors Considered
Additional Forms Required (Children)
| Form | Name |
|---|---|
| DR-1 | Dissolution Packet No. 1 (With Children) |
| DR-817 | Complaint for Divorce (With Children) |
| DR-305 | Child Support Guidelines Affidavit |
| DR-310 | Child Support Calculation Under Civil Rule 90.3 |
Mandatory Parenting Course
Alaska requires both parents to complete a parenting education course when filing for divorce with minor children.
Under Administrative Rule 15, most Alaska courts require both parents to complete a court-approved parent education program before the dissolution or divorce involving minor children can be finalized. Programs may be completed by viewing an approved video or completing an online course. Contact the local Superior Court for specific program options.
Typical cost: $75
Protect your children through the process
Divorce.ai helps you create a child-focused parenting plan and prepares all custody-related Alaska forms.
What Goes in a Parenting Plan?
A comprehensive parenting plan should cover:
Regular Parenting Schedule
Week-by-week schedule of where the child lives and when transitions occur.
Holiday & Vacation Schedule
How holidays, school breaks, and vacation time are divided between parents.
Decision-Making Authority
Who makes decisions about education, healthcare, extracurriculars, and religious upbringing.
Communication Rules
How the child communicates with the non-custodial parent (phone, video calls, etc.).
Transportation & Exchange
Who handles pickups/dropoffs and where exchanges occur.
Dispute Resolution
How disagreements about the parenting plan will be resolved (mediation first, then court).
Relocation Rules
Notice requirements and procedure if either parent wants to move.
Tips for Protecting Your Children During Divorce
Never speak negatively about the other parent in front of your children. It puts them in the middle and can harm your custody case.
Maintain routines. Keep school, activities, and daily routines as consistent as possible during the transition.
Communicate openly with your children in age-appropriate ways. Let them know the divorce is not their fault.
Consider counseling. A child therapist can help children process their emotions during this time.