Divorce Resources in Alaska: Court Forms, Legal Aid & Filing Guide
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Crisis Resources
If you are in danger, call 911. For confidential support:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | Text START to 88788
Domestic Violence Resources
Statewide coalition coordinating domestic violence prevention, advocacy, and services across Alaska. Connects victims with local shelters and resources.
Alaska's largest domestic violence shelter in Anchorage. 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter for 52 people, transitional housing through Harmony House, and advocacy services.
Domestic violence and sexual assault shelter and crisis services serving the Mat-Su Valley (Palmer/Wasilla area). 24-hour crisis line and emergency shelter.
Protective Orders
Alaska provides three types of domestic violence protective orders under AS 18.66.100–18.66.180. An emergency protective order is requested by a police officer on behalf of a victim and lasts 72 hours (AS 18.66.110). An ex parte protective order can be obtained without notice to the abuser if the court finds probable cause that domestic violence occurred — it lasts 20 days (AS 18.66.110(a)). A long-term protective order lasts up to one year and is issued after a hearing with at least 10 days' notice to the respondent (AS 18.66.100). To file, use form DV-100 (one petitioner) or DV-100M (multiple petitioners). File in the district or superior court where you live, where the abuser lives, or where the abuse occurred. There is no filing fee for protective orders. The court may order the respondent to surrender firearms, award temporary custody, grant possession of the residence, and prohibit contact. Protective orders can be extended for additional one-year periods within 30 to 60 days of expiration. Violation of a protective order is a criminal offense. All orders are entered into a central registry under AS 18.65.540. For step-by-step instructions, see PUB-22 at the Alaska Court System Self-Help Center.
Official Links & Resources
How to File for Divorce in Alaska
To file for divorce in Alaska, you must be a resident of the state at the time of filing under AS 25.24.090. Alaska does not require a minimum number of days of residency — you qualify if you are physically present and intend to remain indefinitely. If you and your spouse agree on all issues including property division, child custody, and support, you may file a joint Petition for Dissolution using form DR-100 (no children) or DR-105 (with children) under AS 25.24.200–.260. If you disagree on any issue, one spouse files a Complaint for Divorce under AS 25.24.050 using form DR-50 (with children) or DR-55 (without children). The filing fee is $250, paid at the Superior Court clerk's office or through TrueFiling e-filing.
After filing the complaint, you must serve your spouse with copies of all filed documents. The defendant has 20 days from the date of service to file a response under Alaska Civil Rule 4. If the defendant does not respond within 20 days, you may request a default judgment. Every filing must include the Certificate of Divorce, Dissolution, or Annulment (VS-401), which the court forwards to Health Analytics and Vital Records. Alaska requires a mandatory 30-day waiting period between filing and the court's entry of a final decree under Civil Rule 90.1. Financial disclosure is mandatory in all cases — both parties must exchange income and asset information under Civil Rule 26.1.
For cases involving minor children, both parents must complete a parent education requirement before the court will finalize the decree. Options include the free Family Law Education Class (FLEC) via Zoom, the "Listen 2 Kids About Divorce" video ($15 online), or the "Children in Between" course ($49.95, fee waiver available). You must also file a Parenting Plan (DR-475) under AS 25.20.090 and a Child Support Guidelines Affidavit (DR-305) with a proposed Child Support Order (DR-300) calculated under Civil Rule 90.3. Children must have lived in Alaska for six months before the court can enter custody orders under the UCCJEA. File all documents at the Superior Court in your judicial district.
Required Court Forms
Joint petition filed by both spouses when they agree on all terms and have no minor children. Both parties must sign before a notary or court clerk.
Joint petition filed by both spouses who agree on all terms and have minor children. Must be accompanied by a parenting plan (DR-475) and child support calculation.
Dissolution petition for one spouse filing alone when the other spouse cannot be located. Must include Affidavit of Diligent Inquiry (DR-210).
Divorce complaint filed by one spouse when both parties agree on all issues and have minor children. Included in Packet DR-4 with supporting forms.
Divorce complaint filed by one spouse when both parties agree on all issues and have no minor children. Included in Packet DR-5 with VS-401 and DR-314.
Required vital statistics certificate submitted with every divorce or dissolution filing. Must be an original form on archival-quality paper — photocopies not accepted.
Required parenting plan for cases involving minor children. Covers decision-making authority, parenting time schedule, communication guidelines, and Permanent Fund Dividend allocation.
Required financial affidavit for calculating child support under Alaska Civil Rule 90.3. Both parents must disclose income from all sources.
Proposed order form for child support presented to the judge for signature. Calculated based on DR-305 affidavit and Rule 90.3 guidelines.
Worksheet for listing all marital property and debts with estimated fair-market values. Required if there is any possibility of default in the case.
Fee waiver application for parties who cannot afford court filing fees. Requires disclosure of income, expenses, assets, and debts. Must be signed before a notary.
Petition for a domestic violence protective order under AS 18.66.100. Available for victims of domestic violence committed by a household member.
Filing on your own?
Divorce.law's FormOS walks you through preparing your court documents step by step — no attorney required.
How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in Alaska?
Filing for divorce in Alaska costs $250 for the initial petition. Additional fees may apply for service, motions, and other filings.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Complaint for Divorce | $250 |
| Motion to Modify Custody, Visitation, Support, or Property Division | $75 |
| Request for Exemption from Payment of Fees (TF-920) | $0 |
Fee Waiver: Alaska allows fee waivers for parties who cannot afford court fees. File form TF-920 (Request for Exemption from Payment of Fees) before or at the same time as your petition. You must disclose income, monthly expenses, assets, and debts under oath before a notary. If approved, the court waives the $250 filing fee plus copy fees, certified copy fees, and service of process fees. The court typically rules within a few days. Eligibility is based on financial hardship — there is no fixed income threshold, but the court considers your ability to pay. If incarcerated and filing civil litigation against the state, use form CIV-670 instead. Download TF-920 at courts.alaska.gov/shc/courtfees.htm.
Free & Low-Cost Legal Help
Provides comprehensive free civil legal aid to low-income Alaskans in family law, housing, consumer law, and other areas.
Eligibility: Low-income residents; income based on federal poverty guidelines (125% FPL)
Provides court-based self-help resources and limited assistance to self-represented litigants in family law matters.
Eligibility: Self-represented litigants; no income restrictions
Parenting Class Requirements
Alaska requires both parents to complete a parent education program before the court will finalize a divorce, dissolution, or custody case involving minor children. This requirement is governed by Civil Rule 90.1 and enforced by local court standing orders. Parents have three options to satisfy the requirement: (1) attend the free Family Law Education Class (FLEC) via Zoom, which includes the "Listen 2 Kids About Divorce" video — certificates are filed automatically if you provide your case number; (2) watch the "Listen 2 Kids About Divorce" video online for $15; or (3) complete the "Children in Between" online course at online.divorce-education.com for $49.95 (fee waiver available for low-income parents). Some courts require completion before filing; others require it before the hearing. Check your local court's specific requirements at courts.alaska.gov/shc/family/shcparent-ed.htm. Do not bring children to in-person viewings.
Mediation Requirements
Mediation is not mandatory in Alaska divorce cases, but the court has broad discretion to order it. Under AS 25.24.060, either party may file a motion requesting mediation within 30 days after a complaint or cross-complaint is filed. When no party requests mediation, the court may still order the parties to submit to mediation if it determines that mediation may result in a more satisfactory settlement. The court appoints the mediator, and each party has one right to challenge the appointed mediator. During mediation, divorce proceedings are stayed for 30 days or until mediation fails. Either party may withdraw after the first conference. Important domestic violence exception: the court may not order mediation if a protective order under AS 18.66.100–18.66.180 is in effect, or if a party objects on domestic violence grounds, unless specific safety conditions are met. More information is available at courts.alaska.gov/mediation.
Financial Disclosure Requirements
Financial disclosure is mandatory in all Alaska divorce and dissolution cases under Civil Rule 26.1 and Civil Rule 90.1. Both parties must exchange complete financial information including income from all sources, assets (real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement plans, pensions, business interests), debts, and monthly expenses. The primary disclosure forms are the Financial Declaration (DR-250) and the Property and Debt Worksheet (SHC-1000). For cases with children, a Child Support Guidelines Affidavit (DR-305) is required under Civil Rule 90.3. You must also exchange financial and employment information using the Release of Financial and Employment Information form (SHC-1011). All financial statements are signed under penalty of perjury. If your spouse refuses to provide required disclosures, you may file a Motion to Compel Rule 26.1 Disclosure under Civil Rules 26–37 asking the court to order production by a specific date.
Vetted Alaska Divorce Attorneys
Each city on Divorce.law has one personally vetted exclusive attorney.
Colbert Family Law LLC
Anchorage, Alaska
Rogers Law Group LLC
Fairbanks, Alaska
Baxter Bruce & Sullivan
Juneau, Alaska