Alaska Child Support Guidelines Explained: What Parents Need to Know

When parents separate or divorce in Alaska, one of the most important issues to resolve is child support. The State of Alaska has clear child support guidelines designed to make sure children continue to receive the financial support they need, regardless of which parent they live with.

At Tamarack Law Incorporated, we help parents understand these rules, calculate accurate support amounts, and advocate for fair outcomes. Below, we explain how Alaska’s child support guidelines work, how payments are calculated, and what parents should know before filing.

How Alaska Calculates Child Support

Alaska follows specific formulas established in Alaska Civil Rule 90.3 to calculate child support. The amount depends on:

1. Each parent’s income — including wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and self-employment income.

2. The number of children supported.

3. Custody arrangement — whether one parent has primary custody or parents share custody.

“Adjusted annual income” means gross income minus certain deductions, like federal taxes, mandatory retirement contributions, and child support paid for other children.

When both parents share custody, Alaska uses a more complex formula that considers the income of both parents and the percentage of time each spends with the child. The idea is to balance each parent’s financial responsibility in proportion to their time and income.

Modifying Child Support in Alaska

Child support orders can be modified if there is a material and substantial change in circumstances — usually meaning the amount would change by more than 15%.

Common reasons for modification include:

- Job loss or significant income change

- Change in custody or visitation schedule

- New dependents or financial obligations

It’s important to file for modification through the court rather than making informal adjustments — otherwise, you could face enforcement actions or arrears.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

If a parent fails to pay, Alaska’s Child Support Services Division (CSSD) can enforce orders through wage garnishment, revocation of valuable licenses, or placement of liens on the obligor parent’s property.

Working with an attorney ensures that your enforcement or defense is handled properly and that all required notices and filings are made on time.

How Long Does Child Support Last in Alaska?

Child support typically continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if still attending high school full-time. Support may also end early if the child is legally emancipated.

Parents can also agree to continue support beyond that point for college or other needs, though it’s not required by law.

Common Questions About Alaska Child Support

1. What if the other parent is unemployed?

Child support is still based on potential earning capacity unless the unemployment is found to be involuntary and documented. An attorney can help you navigate the sensitive issue of imputing income to a parent so that the Court can create a child support order that is fair.

2. Can we agree on a different amount than the guideline?

Yes, but the court must approve it and ensure it’s in the child’s best interests. Such variances are granted only under limited circumstances.

3. How often do I need to update my income information?

You must disclose updated income annually if requested, or whenever there’s a substantial change in your income. We recommend our clients update their income even if there is a slight change in order to ensure that our client’s credibility is

Work With an Experienced Alaska Family Law Attorney

Child support is one of the most important — and often most confusing — parts of family law. At Tamarack Law Incorporated, we guide parents through the full process: from calculating guideline amounts to filing, modifying, or enforcing child support orders.

Our goal is to make sure you understand your rights and obligations while securing a fair outcome for your family.

Contact Tamarack Law Incorporated today to schedule a consultation and get clear answers about Alaska’s child support guidelines.