Alimony in Alaska

When Alaska courts can order alimony

• The judge can order spousal maintenance that is "just and necessary," looking at things like length of the marriage, each spouse's age, health, earning ability and the property division.
• See the court's Spousal Support page: https://courts.alaska.gov/shc/family/spousal.htm

Amount, limits and length

There is no set formula.

Law: AS 25.24.160(a)(2).

Alimony and property in Alaska

Spousal support is a separate question from dividing property and debts.

System

Equitable distribution

The rule

The judge divides marital property and debt fairly, which is not always 50/50. Couples can opt in to community property by a written agreement or trust (Alaska Community Property Act).

How to ask for alimony in Alaska

1. Ask for it in your divorce papers

   Spousal support is decided in the divorce case: ask for it in your petition, or in your response if your spouse filed. Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Alaska courts)

2. Pay the fee or ask for a waiver

   $250 to open a divorce or dissolution case (Administrative Rule 9, effective 5/1/2023) Can't afford it? File TF-920, Request for Exemption from Payment of Fees, with your papers.

3. Agree, or let the judge decide

   If you and your spouse agree, put it in your written agreement; if not, the judge decides. Not required, but the court offers free mediation in divorces with children and in custody cases; you can ask the court to refer you.

4. Get it in the final decree

   Spousal support is ordered in the decree. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about alimony in Alaska

More about divorce in Alaska

• All Alaska divorce laws
• Uncontested divorce in Alaska
• Alaska divorce forms and filing fees
• Child custody and support in Alaska
• Serving divorce papers in Alaska
• Divorce timeline estimator for Alaska
• Divorce checklist for Alaska
• Community property states
• Uncontested divorce: how it works

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