Alaska child support payments are calculated using Civil Rule 90.3, which applies a percentage of the noncustodial parent's adjusted annual income: 20% for one child, 27% for two children, and 33% for three children. The minimum child support amount in Alaska is $50 per month, and the income cap limits calculations to $138,000 in adjusted annual income unless the custodial parent demonstrates that higher support is warranted.
This comprehensive guide explains how much is child support in Alaska, breaks down the calculation formula, and provides actionable steps for establishing, modifying, or enforcing support orders in 2026.
Key Facts: Alaska Child Support at a Glance
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Calculation Method | Percentage of Income Model |
| One Child | 20% of adjusted annual income |
| Two Children | 27% of adjusted annual income |
| Three Children | 33% of adjusted annual income |
| Additional Children | +3% per child |
| Minimum Support | $50 per month ($600 annually) |
| Income Cap | $138,000 adjusted annual income |
| Modification Filing Fee | $75 (free if both parents agree) |
| Shared Custody Threshold | 30% of overnights (110+ per year) |
| Support Duration | Until age 18 (or 19 if still in high school) |
| Enforcement Agency | Child Support Services Division (CSSD) |
How Alaska Calculates Child Support Under Civil Rule 90.3
Alaska courts determine child support amounts by multiplying the noncustodial parent's adjusted annual income by fixed percentages established in Alaska Civil Rule 90.3. For one child, the noncustodial parent pays 20% of their adjusted annual income; for two children, 27%; and for three children, 33%. Each additional child beyond three adds 3% to the calculation. This percentage-of-income approach ensures that children receive support proportional to what they would have received in an intact household.
The formula works as follows: A noncustodial parent earning $60,000 annually with one child would pay $12,000 per year ($1,000 monthly). With two children, that same parent would pay $16,200 per year ($1,350 monthly). These calculations assume primary physical custody, where the custodial parent has the children more than 70% of overnights annually.
Income Included in Child Support Calculations
Alaska courts consider gross income from all sources when calculating child support. This includes:
- Wages, salaries, and commissions
- Bonuses and overtime pay
- Self-employment income
- Rental and investment income
- Retirement benefits and pensions
- Unemployment and workers' compensation benefits
- Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
Allowable Deductions from Income
The adjusted annual income is calculated by subtracting mandatory deductions from gross income. Permitted deductions include:
- Federal, state, and local income taxes
- Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA)
- Mandatory union dues
- Mandatory retirement contributions
- Voluntary retirement contributions up to 7.5% of total income (if not in a mandatory plan)
- Child support paid for children from other relationships
Public benefits based solely on need (SSI, TANF, SNAP, ATAP) do not count as income for child support purposes under Alaska Civil Rule 90.3.
The $138,000 Income Cap Explained
Alaska applies a high-income cap that limits the adjusted annual income used in child support calculations to $138,000. When a noncustodial parent earns more than $138,000 annually, the court calculates support using only the first $138,000 unless the custodial parent presents evidence demonstrating that the children's reasonable needs require applying the full income amount.
For example, a noncustodial parent earning $200,000 annually with two children would have support calculated on $138,000 (capped), resulting in $37,260 per year ($3,105 monthly) rather than $54,000 per year if the full income were used. The custodial parent may petition the court to deviate from the cap by showing specific needs such as private school tuition, medical expenses, or special activities that justify higher support.
Shared Custody Child Support Calculations
When both parents have significant parenting time, Alaska uses a different calculation method under Civil Rule 90.3(b). Shared custody applies when each parent has physical custody of the children at least 30% of the year, which equals 110 or more overnights annually. In shared custody arrangements, both parents' incomes factor into the calculation.
The shared custody calculation works as follows:
- Calculate what each parent would owe the other using the standard percentage formula
- Multiply each parent's support obligation by their percentage of custody time
- The parent with the higher obligation pays the difference between the two amounts
For example: Father earns $80,000 and has custody 35% of the time. Mother earns $50,000 and has custody 65% of the time. Father's obligation: $80,000 x 27% x 65% = $14,040. Mother's obligation: $50,000 x 27% x 35% = $4,725. Father pays Mother the difference: $14,040 - $4,725 = $9,315 annually ($776 monthly).
If a parent fails to exercise their agreed-upon 30% custody time, the other parent may file a motion to recalculate support using the primary custody formula, which would typically result in a higher payment.
Medical Support and Health Insurance Requirements
Alaska child support orders require both parents to contribute to their children's health care costs. When establishing a support order, courts determine which parent must provide health insurance coverage based on availability and cost. Health insurance is considered reasonably available if the premium costs 5% or less of the parent's adjusted annual income.
Parents share uncovered medical expenses according to their income proportions, with the default split being 50/50 unless the court orders otherwise. Extraordinary medical costs, including hospital stays, surgeries, orthodontics, and ongoing treatment for chronic conditions, are addressed separately from basic child support.
Employers must honor National Medical Support Notices (NMSN) requiring them to enroll children in available health plans. The maximum wage withholding increases from 40% to 50% of net income when medical support is required.
How Long Does Child Support Last in Alaska?
Alaska child support obligations continue until the child reaches age 18, with one significant exception: if the child is still enrolled in high school or an equivalent vocational program at age 18, support continues until the child graduates or turns 19, whichever occurs first. The child must be living with and financially dependent on the custodial parent for this extension to apply.
Support obligations end early if the child:
- Marries before turning 18
- Joins the military
- Becomes legally emancipated through court order
- Becomes self-supporting and financially independent
Alaska courts cannot order parents to pay for college education unless both parents have a written agreement specifically obligating them to do so. The statutory duty to support children ends at emancipation, and post-secondary education costs remain a voluntary commitment between parents.
Modifying Child Support Orders in Alaska
Alaska permits child support modifications when circumstances change significantly. Under Civil Rule 90.3, a change is presumed material if it would alter the support amount by 15% or more. Either parent may petition for modification based on:
- Substantial income changes (increase or decrease)
- Job loss or employment changes
- Additional children from new relationships
- Changes in custody arrangements
- Medical emergencies or disability
- Three years since the last income review
The modification filing fee is $75 through Alaska courts. However, if both parents agree to the modification, the filing is free. Parents can also request modifications through the Child Support Services Division (CSSD), which reviews the case and calculates whether the 15% threshold is met.
Modifications are not retroactive. Child support adjustments apply only from the date of filing forward, making it essential to file promptly when circumstances change rather than waiting and accumulating arrears.
Child Support Enforcement in Alaska
The Alaska Child Support Services Division (CSSD) enforces child support orders through multiple mechanisms. When a parent fails to pay, CSSD can pursue:
- Automatic wage withholding (up to 40% of net income, or 50% with medical support)
- Interception of federal and state tax refunds
- Seizure of Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD)
- Bank account levies and asset liens
- Suspension of driver's licenses, hunting licenses, and fishing licenses
- Professional license suspension
- Passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500
- Credit bureau reporting
Contempt of Court Penalties
Willful failure to pay child support can result in civil contempt charges. Penalties include fines up to $5,000 per violation and jail sentences up to one year. Interest accrues on unpaid support at 6% annually, and there is no statute of limitations on collecting child support arrears in Alaska.
Courts may issue bench warrants for parents who repeatedly fail to pay or appear for hearings. Multiple violations lead to escalating penalties, including longer jail terms and higher fines.
Alaska Child Support Calculation Examples
These examples demonstrate how Alaska calculates child support in common scenarios:
Example 1: Primary Custody, One Child
- Noncustodial parent's gross income: $65,000
- Mandatory deductions (taxes, FICA, retirement): $13,000
- Adjusted annual income: $52,000
- Calculation: $52,000 x 20% = $10,400 annually
- Monthly support: $867
Example 2: Primary Custody, Two Children
- Noncustodial parent's gross income: $85,000
- Mandatory deductions: $17,000
- Adjusted annual income: $68,000
- Calculation: $68,000 x 27% = $18,360 annually
- Monthly support: $1,530
Example 3: High-Income Parent with Three Children
- Noncustodial parent's gross income: $200,000
- Mandatory deductions: $45,000
- Adjusted annual income: $155,000 (capped at $138,000)
- Calculation: $138,000 x 33% = $45,540 annually
- Monthly support: $3,795
Example 4: Low-Income Parent
- Noncustodial parent's gross income: $18,000
- Mandatory deductions: $3,000
- Adjusted annual income: $15,000
- Calculation: $15,000 x 20% = $3,000 annually
- However, minimum support applies: $50/month ($600 annually)
- Monthly support: $50 (minimum applies since $250/month calculated amount exceeds minimum)
Comparing Alaska to Other States
| State | Calculation Model | One Child | Two Children | Income Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Percentage of Income | 20% | 27% | $138,000 |
| Texas | Percentage of Income | 20% | 25% | $9,200/month |
| California | Income Shares | Varies by income | Varies by income | None |
| Florida | Income Shares | Varies by income | Varies by income | None |
| New York | Percentage of Income | 17% | 25% | $163,000 |
Alaska is one of only six states that do not consider the custodial parent's income in the basic child support calculation, making it simpler to determine support amounts but potentially less equitable when the custodial parent has significantly higher income.
Filing for Child Support in Alaska
Parents seeking child support in Alaska have two pathways:
Option 1: Through Alaska Courts
File a complaint for child support with the Alaska Superior Court. The filing fee for a divorce or dissolution case is $250 (which includes child support determination). For standalone child support cases, the fee varies by court. Low-income filers may request a fee waiver using Form TF-920.
Option 2: Through Child Support Services Division (CSSD)
Apply for services through CSSD, which can establish paternity, calculate support, and enforce orders at no cost to custodial parents. CSSD handles both initial establishment and ongoing enforcement.
Custodial parents receiving TANF, Medicaid, or other public assistance are automatically referred to CSSD. For others, applications are available online at childsupport.alaska.gov.
Annual Fees and Ongoing Costs
Alaska charges a $35 annual fee to parents receiving child support services through CSSD when total collections exceed $550 in a federal fiscal year. This fee is deducted from collected support rather than paid directly by parents. The fee applies only to cases not receiving public assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Child Support
How much is child support in Alaska for one child?
Alaska child support for one child equals 20% of the noncustodial parent's adjusted annual income under Civil Rule 90.3. A parent earning $50,000 annually after deductions would pay $10,000 per year ($833 monthly). The minimum payment is $50 per month regardless of income, and the maximum income considered is $138,000 unless the court finds reason to deviate.
Can I use the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend to pay child support?
Yes, CSSD can intercept all or part of a noncustodial parent's Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) to satisfy child support arrears. The PFD intercept is automatic for parents with overdue support, and in 2025 the PFD was $1,702 per person. Parents current on support retain their full dividend.
What happens if I lose my job and cannot pay child support?
File a motion to modify child support immediately upon losing your job. Alaska requires a 15% change in the support calculation to grant modifications. Until a modification is granted, the original order remains in effect and arrears accumulate. Voluntary unemployment or underemployment may result in the court imputing income based on earning capacity.
Does Alaska consider the custodial parent's income?
No, Alaska uses a percentage-of-income model that bases child support solely on the noncustodial parent's income. The custodial parent's income is not factored into the basic calculation, though it may be considered in shared custody situations or when deviation from guidelines is requested.
How do I calculate child support with shared custody in Alaska?
Shared custody calculations apply when each parent has physical custody at least 30% of the year (110+ overnights). Both parents' incomes are calculated separately using the standard percentages, then multiplied by their custody percentages. The parent with the higher calculated amount pays the difference to the other parent.
Can child support be higher than the guidelines in Alaska?
Yes, courts may deviate above guidelines when circumstances warrant. Common reasons include children with special needs, extraordinary medical expenses, private school tuition, or when income exceeds the $138,000 cap and the custodial parent demonstrates additional needs. The court must make written findings explaining any deviation.
What is the minimum child support payment in Alaska?
The minimum child support payment in Alaska is $50 per month ($600 annually) regardless of how low the noncustodial parent's income may be. This floor ensures children receive at least minimal support while protecting extremely low-income parents from crushing obligations.
How long does child support last if my child attends college?
Alaska child support ends at age 18 or high school graduation (whichever comes later, up to age 19). Courts cannot order parents to pay for college unless both parents have a written agreement specifically requiring it. Post-secondary education support is voluntary, not mandated by Alaska law.
Can I enforce an out-of-state child support order in Alaska?
Yes, Alaska enforces out-of-state orders through the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). Register the foreign order with Alaska CSSD or the court, and it becomes enforceable as if issued in Alaska. The original issuing state typically retains jurisdiction for modifications unless all parties have moved.
What are the penalties for not paying child support in Alaska?
Penalties for nonpayment include wage garnishment (up to 40-50% of net income), tax refund interception, PFD seizure, license suspensions (driver's, professional, hunting, fishing), passport denial, credit damage, bank account levies, and civil contempt charges. Contempt can result in fines up to $5,000 and jail time up to one year. Interest accrues at 6% annually on unpaid support.
Next Steps for Alaska Child Support
If you need to establish, modify, or enforce child support in Alaska, begin by gathering income documentation including tax returns, pay stubs, and records of other income sources. Calculate your estimated support obligation using the percentage guidelines above, then decide whether to proceed through the courts or CSSD.
For complex situations involving high incomes, shared custody, or multiple children from different relationships, consulting with an Alaska family law attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and the calculation is accurate.
Author: Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. Florida Bar No. 21022 | Covering Alaska divorce law
Filing fees and court costs verified as of March 2026. Verify current fees with your local clerk before filing.