Alaska courts prioritize the child’s best interests in custody decisions, using equitable distribution for property, and consider multiple factors for alimony without a fixed formula.​
Child Custody
Alaska distinguishes legal custody (major decisions like education and health) from physical custody (where the child lives), often favoring shared legal custody unless one parent is unfit. Courts evaluate the child’s best interests under AS 25.24.150(c) and §25.20.090, including physical/emotional needs, each parent’s capability, child’s preference if mature, love/affection, stability of environment, domestic violence history, substance abuse, and mediator recommendations. Parents are encouraged to agree on a parenting plan, with mediation available; trials decide disputes.​
Alimony (Spousal Support)
Alimony, or spousal maintenance, can be temporary (during divorce), short-term reorientation, or long-term reorientation based on need, with no set duration limit or formula. Judges weigh factors like marriage length, spouse’s earning capacity, standard of living, education/employability, health, finances, property division, and marital conduct such as asset destruction. Payments may be lump sum, periodic (via wage garnishment), or property-adjusted, ending upon remarriage.​
Property Division
Alaska follows equitable distribution, dividing marital property fairly but not equally via the Wanberg analysis: identify marital assets/debts, value them, then allocate based on AS 25.24.160(a)(4). Factors include earning ability, marriage length, contributions (financial or homemaking), age/health, and post-divorce needs; separate property remains individual. Courts favor clear orders, like selling a home and splitting proceeds 50/50 after costs.​
Court Decision Process
Divorce starts with filing a complaint citing irretrievable breakdown, proposing custody/support/property terms in Superior Court. Uncontested cases with agreements proceed quickly to a hearing for approval if in the child’s best interests. Contested cases involve responses, possible mediation/trial, and judicial weighing of all relevant factors for a final decree shaping post-divorce life.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/how-to-receive-alimony-in-alaska.html)
[2](https://legalatoms.com/alaska/how-is-property-divided-in-an-alaska-divorce/)
[3](https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/family/shcparenting.htm)
[4](https://law.justia.com/codes/alaska/title-25/chapter-20/section-25-20-090/)
[5](https://www.divorcenet.com/resources/child-custody-and-relocation-laws-alaska.html)
