Child Support in Alaska
Child Support in Alaska is governed by state guidelines that ensure both parents contribute financially to the upbringing of their children, regardless of custody arrangements.
Raising a child is a shared responsibility — emotionally, physically, and financially. When parents separate or divorce, child support ensures that the child’s needs continue to be met. In Alaska, the law takes child support very seriously, ensuring that children receive consistent financial care from both parents.
Whether you’re a custodial parent seeking support or a non-custodial parent trying to understand your obligations, here’s everything you need to know about child support in Alaska.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is the ongoing financial contribution that one parent pays to the other to help cover the costs of raising their child. These costs may include food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care, and other essential needs.
The goal is to make sure the child’s well-being and stability are maintained, even when the parents are no longer together.
How Child Support Is Calculated in Alaska
In Alaska, child support is governed by the Alaska Rule of Civil Procedure 90.3. The amount is based on the non-custodial parent’s adjusted annual income and the number of children being supported.
Here’s the general breakdown:
- One child: 20% of the non-custodial parent’s income
- Two children: 27% of income
- Three children: 33% of income
- Four or more: Add 3% for each additional child
Adjusted income means gross annual income minus mandatory deductions such as taxes, retirement contributions, and health insurance premiums.
Shared Custody and Child Support
When both parents share custody (meaning each parent has the child for at least 30% of the year), Alaska uses a different formula to ensure fairness. The court considers:
- The income of both parents
- The percentage of time each parent spends with the child
- Additional expenses such as childcare or health costs
This approach ensures that support reflects both parents’ financial and caregiving contributions.
How to Apply for Child Support in Alaska
Parents can apply for child support through the Alaska Child Support Services Division (CSSD).
The process includes:
- Submitting an application (online or by mail).
- Providing details about both parents and the child.
- Establishing paternity, if necessary.
- CSSD calculating the payment amount.
- Issuing and enforcing the support order.
The CSSD can also help locate a parent, establish paternity, and enforce payments through wage garnishment or other legal measures.
Medical Support
Child support orders in Alaska also include medical support. One or both parents may be required to:
- Provide health insurance for the child, or
- Pay a portion of uninsured medical expenses.
The court aims to ensure the child has consistent access to healthcare, regardless of which parent they live with.
What Happens If a Parent Doesn’t Pay?
Failure to pay child support can lead to serious consequences. The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) can enforce payments through:
- Wage or bank account garnishment
- Suspension of driver’s or occupational licenses
- Interception of tax refunds or Permanent Fund Dividends (PFDs)
- Liens against property
In severe cases, the parent may face contempt of court charges, which could include fines or jail time.
Modifying Child Support
Life circumstances can change, and so can child support obligations. If either parent’s financial situation changes significantly — such as losing a job, gaining new income, or a change in custody — either party can request a modification.
Alaska courts typically allow a modification if there’s at least a 15 percent change in the payment amount.
How Long Does Child Support Lasts
In Alaska, child support usually continues until the child:
- Turns 18, or
- Graduates from high school (if still in school and under 19).
Parents may also agree to continue support voluntarily beyond this age for college or other needs.
Child support in Alaska isn’t just a legal duty — it’s an important part of responsible parenting. It ensures that children continue to grow and thrive even when family dynamics change. Both parents have a vital role to play in their child’s development, and consistent financial support is one of the most practical ways to show care and responsibility.
If you’re unsure how to begin, you can reach out to Alaska’s Child Support Services Division (CSSD) for help. Every child deserves a fair start, and financial stability is a big part of that promise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Child Support in Alaska
1. How is child support calculated in Alaska?
Child support in Alaska is calculated based on the non-custodial parent’s adjusted annual income and the number of children being supported. The formula is:
- 20% of the income for one child
- 27% for two children
- 33% for three children
- Add 3% for each additional child.
This calculation follows the Alaska Rule of Civil Procedure 90.3. Adjusted income refers to the parent’s total earnings minus taxes, mandatory deductions, and health insurance premiums.
2. What happens if parents share custody?
When both parents share custody — meaning each has the child at least 30% of the time — the court uses a shared custody formula. This method considers both parents’ incomes, the time each parent spends with the child, and any additional expenses such as childcare or medical costs to determine a fair support amount.
3. How do I apply for child support in Alaska?
You can apply through the Alaska Child Support Services Division (CSSD) by applying online or by mail. You’ll need to provide information about both parents and the child. CSSD can also help establish paternity if necessary and will calculate and enforce child support payments.
4. What if the parent ordered to pay lives outside Alaska?
Alaska can still enforce child support orders even if one parent lives in another state. The CSSD works with other state agencies under federal law to locate the parent, establish paternity, and collect payments.
5. What happens if a parent doesn’t pay child support?
If a parent fails to make payments, the Child Support Services Division can take several enforcement actions, including:
- Garnishing wages or bank accounts
- Suspending driver’s or professional licenses
- Seizing tax refunds or Permanent Fund Dividends (PFDs)
- Placing liens on property
In extreme cases, the parent may face contempt of court charges, fines, or even jail time.
6. Can child support be modified in Alaska?
Yes. Either parent can request a modification if there has been a significant change in financial circumstances, custody, or expenses. Alaska courts generally allow a change if it would alter the payment amount by 15% or more.
7. Does child support cover medical expenses?
Yes. Alaska law requires that child support orders include medical support. One or both parents may be required to provide health insurance or share the cost of uninsured medical expenses to ensure the child receives proper care.
8. When does child support end in Alaska?
Child support typically continues until the child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school (if still enrolled and under 19). In some cases, parents may agree to extend support voluntarily, for example, to help with college expenses.
9. Can I receive back payments if the other parent hasn’t paid in years?
Yes. Unpaid child support, also known as arrears, can be collected even years later. Alaska law does not allow child support debts to expire until they are paid in full, and CSSD can use enforcement tools to recover past-due amounts.
10. Where can I get help or more information?
You can contact the Alaska Child Support Services Division (CSSD) for assistance with applications, payment tracking, or enforcement issues. Their website offers forms, contact information, and online tools for managing your case.
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