Alaska Child Support Laws

Child support Laws as they apply to the state of Alaska
📑 Table of Contents (click to expand)

Last verified: February 2026. Alaska child support is governed by Civil Rule 90.3, which was last updated October 2023. Alaska uses the Percentage of Income Model rather than the Income Shares Model used by most states.

Quick Summary: Alaska Child Support at a Glance

  • Calculation Method: Percentage of Income Model (Civil Rule 90.3)
  • Primary Custody Percentages: 20% for 1 child, 27% for 2, 33% for 3, then +3% per additional child
  • Minimum Child Support: $50 per month regardless of income
  • Income Cap: $126,000 adjusted annual income (2022 figures)
  • Age of Termination: 18 years old (or 19 if still in high school)
  • Enforcement Agency: Child Support Services Division (CSSD)
  • Interest on Arrears: 6% per year

How is Child Support Calculated in Alaska?

Alaska is one of the few states that uses the “Percentage of Income Model” rather than the Income Shares Model. Under Civil Rule 90.3, child support is calculated based primarily on the non-custodial parent’s income, multiplied by a set percentage based on the number of children.

The calculation has three main components:

  1. Income: The adjusted annual income of the paying parent
  2. Number of Children: Determines the percentage applied
  3. Parenting Time: The percentage of time each parent has physical custody

Alaska courts encourage parents to reach mutual support agreements outside of court. However, verbal agreements made outside court are not legally binding. To ensure enforceability, any agreement should be submitted to the court for approval and entry as an order.

Child Support Percentages by Number of Children

For primary physical custody arrangements (where one parent has the child more than 70% of the time), the non-custodial parent pays:

  • 1 Child: 20% of adjusted annual income
  • 2 Children: 27% of adjusted annual income
  • 3 Children: 33% of adjusted annual income
  • 4 Children: 36% of adjusted annual income
  • 5+ Children: Add 3% for each additional child

Important limits:

  • The minimum child support payment is $50 per month regardless of income level
  • Child support calculations are capped at an adjusted annual income of $126,000
  • Income above $126,000 is not used in the standard calculation, though the court may order additional support for high-income parents

The 4 Custody Arrangements in Alaska

1. Primary Physical Custody

One parent has the child 70% or more of the time. This is the most straightforward calculation: multiply the non-custodial parent’s adjusted income by the applicable percentage.

2. Shared Physical Custody

Each parent has the child at least 30% of the time. Because both parents incur direct expenses when the child is with them, the calculation becomes more complex. Alaska provides a Shared Physical Custody Calculator (Form DR-306) to help parents determine expected payments.

3. Divided Custody

When there is more than one child and each parent has primary custody of at least one child. Both parents’ incomes are considered, and typically the higher-earning parent pays the difference. Alaska provides a Divided Custody Calculator (Form DR-307) for these situations.

4. Hybrid Custody

A combination of the arrangements above, allowing flexibility in parenting plans. These situations are the most complex and often require attorney assistance. Alaska provides a Hybrid Custody Calculator (Form DR-308).

What Counts as Income in Alaska?

Under Civil Rule 90.3, “income” includes far more than just wages. All of the following are considered income for child support purposes:

  • Wages, salaries, and commissions
  • Self-employment earnings
  • Bonuses and overtime
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Pension and retirement benefits
  • Military allowances (specialty pay, cost of living, housing, rations)
  • Dividend and interest income
  • Trust income
  • Rental income
  • Lottery and gambling winnings

Not counted as income:

  • Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP) benefits
  • Other need-based public assistance
  • One-time lump-sum payments (in most cases)
  • Child support received for other children

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Child Support in Alaska?

Alaska takes child support enforcement seriously. Whether you live in Alaska or another state, child support must be paid. The Child Support Services Division (CSSD) has extensive enforcement powers.

Administrative enforcement actions include:

  • Income withholding: Support is deducted directly from wages, unemployment benefits, retirement benefits, and workers’ compensation
  • Tax refund interception: State and federal income tax refunds can be seized
  • Bank account levy: Funds can be taken directly from bank accounts
  • Property liens: Liens can be placed on vehicles, real estate, and other property
  • Asset seizure: Property may be seized and sold
  • Passport denial: Passports may be denied, suspended, or revoked if arrears exceed $2,500
  • Credit bureau reporting: Delinquencies are reported to credit agencies
  • License suspension: Driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and recreational licenses may be suspended

Court enforcement: The custodial parent can file a “Motion and Affidavit to Enforce Order” (Form SHC-1540). If the court finds the non-paying parent in contempt, penalties may include:

  • Fines up to $5,000 per violation
  • Jail time
  • Payment of the other parent’s attorney fees

There is no statute of limitations on child support collection in Alaska. Additionally, interest accrues at 6% per year on unpaid support.

How to Modify Child Support in Alaska

Important: Alaska does not allow retroactive modifications. You cannot go back and change past-due amounts. However, you can modify future payments if your circumstances change.

To request a modification:

  1. Contact CSSD if you receive services through them
  2. File a motion with the court explaining the changed circumstances
  3. Document your change in circumstances (job loss, disability, income change)

Common grounds for modification include:

  • Loss of employment (involuntary)
  • Significant income change (increase or decrease)
  • Incarceration
  • Disability
  • Change in custody arrangements
  • Change in the child’s needs

If you lose your job or face financial hardship, contact CSSD immediately. Do not simply stop paying, as arrears will continue to accumulate with interest.

When Does Child Support End in Alaska?

The age of majority in Alaska is 18. Child support typically ends when the child turns 18. However, support continues until age 19 if the child is:

  • Unmarried, and
  • Still enrolled in and attending high school or an prior-approved equivalent vocational or technical program

Child support may end earlier if the child:

  • Gets married
  • Joins the military
  • Becomes emancipated (at least age 16, living independently, financially self-sufficient, with parental consent)
  • Dies

Under Alaska Statute AS 9.55.590, a minor who is at least 16 years old may petition for emancipation if they can demonstrate they are capable of self-support, currently live separately from parents, and have parental consent.

Establishing Paternity in Alaska

Under Alaska law, if parents are married when the child is born, the husband is presumed to be the father and his name goes on the birth certificate. For unmarried parents, paternity must be established.

Voluntary establishment: Both parents can sign an Affidavit of Paternity, which establishes legal fatherhood.

Court or administrative establishment: Either parent or CSSD can request DNA testing. The test is typically a simple cheek swab and is 99.9% accurate.

If you are unsure about paternity, request DNA testing before signing any documents or agreeing to support payments. Once paternity is established, it is very difficult to challenge later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the custodial parent withhold visitation if support is not paid?

No. Visitation and child support are separate legal obligations. Under Alaska law, if a custodian “willfully and without excuse” refuses to permit visitation, they may be fined $200 for each violation (AS 25.20.140). Non-custodial parents have visitation rights even if they cannot pay support. If either obligation is being violated, address it through the court.

What if my ex is abusive?

If a parent poses a clear danger due to domestic violence or sexual assault, CSSD is required to keep the other parent’s employment information, contact details, and other identifying information confidential when enforcing child support.

Can arrears be reduced?

If both parents agree to reduce arrears and neither was receiving public assistance, they can sign a written agreement to reduce the amount owed. However, if the state paid assistance on behalf of the child, the state’s portion cannot be forgiven.

Who is responsible for health insurance?

In addition to the basic support amount, either or both parents may be required to provide health insurance coverage. Reasonable out-of-pocket health care expenses are typically shared between parents.

What is the minimum I must pay?

The mandatory minimum child support in Alaska is $50 per month (or $600 per year), regardless of income level. Even if you are unemployed or incarcerated, you remain obligated to pay at least this minimum amount.

Additional Resources

Alaska Child Support Services Division (CSSD)

Official Forms and Calculators:

For personalized legal advice about your child support case, consult with a family law attorney in Alaska.

More Alaska Laws

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