How to Choose the Best Family Law Attorney in Alaska: a Step-by-Step Guide

When facing family law issues—whether divorce, child custody, adoption, or guardianship—choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. This step-by-step guide will help you understand what to look for and how to find the best family law attorney in Alaska for your situation.

Step 1: Understand Your Legal Needs

Family law covers a wide range of issues, including:

• Divorce and separation

• Child custody and visitation

• Child support and spousal support

• Property division

• Adoption

• Guardianship

• Domestic violence protective orders

• Drafting, litigation, and enforcement of prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements

Start by identifying the specific legal challenges you’re facing. This will help you focus your search on attorneys who specialize in those areas.

Step 2: Research Alaska Family Law Attorneys

Once you know what kind of help you need, begin researching local attorneys. Consider:

Experience in Alaska family law – Many law firms take on only a few family law cases each year. Find a law firm whose family law attorneys are committed to continuing education, excellence in work product, and integrity. Tamarack Law Incorporated’s experience in Alaska family law and estate planning ensures that we are continuously building our skills and knowledge in family law.

Reputation – It can be difficult to talk about your need for a family law attorney, but you can learn a lot from others’ experiences with family law attorneys. Look for online reviews, testimonials, and professional ratings. At Tamarack Law Incorporated, we understand that the sensitivity of family law issues requires a foundation of trust for the attorney-client relationship to be effective.

Step 3: Evaluate Qualifications and Experience

Not all attorneys have the same background or level of experience. When reviewing potential attorneys, consider:

• Number of family law cases taken in the past year: years in practice alone does not indicate experience in family law. Ask about the volume of cases your family law attorney takes each year as a percentage of their practice.

• Track record in cases similar to your own: is your attorney familiar with the legal issues posed by the unique facts in your case?

• Professional Memberships: does your attorney give back to the legal community and dedicate themselves to improving the profession? Tamarack Law Incorporated’s owner, Sarah Kathryn Bryan, is on the Board of the Anchorage Association of Women Lawyers, the Board of Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis (AWAIC), and a member of the Anchorage Estate Planning Council.

• Continuing education in family law topics: at Tamarack Law Incorporated, we dedicate at least a day of attorney time each month to continuing education in family law and related practice areas. Ask your attorney about what books related to professional development they’re reading, what efforts they make to stay on top of recent developments in family law, and what continuing legal education (CLE) they have participated in recently.

An attorney who regularly handles cases like yours will likely be better equipped to anticipate challenges and offer effective strategies.

Step 4: Schedule Consultations

Most family law attorneys in Alaska offer an initial consultation. This is your opportunity to:

• Ask about their experience with cases like yours

• Learn their approach to conflict resolution (negotiation, mediation, or litigation)

• Discuss communication expectations—how often will you receive updates?

• Get a clear sense of their fees and billing practices

Meeting with more than one attorney can help you compare styles and find the best fit. We offer consultation appointments by Zoom to ensure that clients throughout Alaska can receive a face-to-face consultation.

Step 5: Ask the Right Questions

During your consultation, consider asking:

1. How long have you practiced family law in Alaska?

2. What percentage of your practice is dedicated to family law?

3. What is your approach to resolving disputes—mediation, settlement, or litigation?

4. How do you communicate with clients, and how quickly do you respond to questions?

5. What are your fees and payment options? How often should I expect to replenish my retainer?

6. What continuing education have you engaged in during the past six months?

The answers will help you assess whether the attorney has the skills and approach that align with your needs.

Step 6: Trust Your Instincts

The best family law attorney for you is not only qualified but also someone you feel comfortable with. Family law cases often involve sensitive and emotional issues, so it’s important to work with someone who listens, shows empathy, and respects your goals.

Upon request, we will happily provide referrals to other family law attorneys who meet our high standards for ethics, integrity, and high quality of work product.

Contact Tamarack Law Incorporated About Your Family Law Needs

Finding the best family law attorney in Alaska doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding your needs, researching your options, and asking the right questions, you can choose an attorney who will advocate for you and protect your best interests.

At Tamarack Law Incorporated, we help Alaskans navigate divorce, custody disputes, adoption, guardianship, and other family law matters with care and expertise. If you’re ready to discuss your situation, call (907)802-1023 to schedule a consultation.