Alaska Marital Settlement (Divorce) Agreement Form [PDF]

The Alaska marital settlement (divorce) agreement form is a legal document that outlines the terms and obligations of married couples who want to end their marriage. This document must contain matters like alimony, child custody, or division of property.

Before you start drafting the marital settlement agreement, you should understand the difference between a contested and an uncontested divorce. Divorce can be contested, which means that spouses cannot reach an agreement on all matters, or uncontested, where every matter is addressed and agreed upon.

Divorce Forms 

Divorce forms can be filed in Superior Court in the district where spouses reside. The filing fee ranges from about $250 to $350, and it takes from 30 to 90 days to finalize the agreement.

Divorce Laws and Legal Requirements in Alaska

The divorce laws and legal requirements in Alaska provide important information to married couples about what to expect and how to prepare for the divorce process.

How to File For a Divorce in Alaska in 7 Steps

Filing for divorce in Alaska covers several steps that should be followed to ensure a smooth and complete divorce procedure.

#1. Fill out the Divorce Form

The spouse who wishes to initiate the divorce should first acquire a correct form from a circuit court. There are two complaints for divorce—one for couples with children and the other for couples without children.

If spouses have children, then the complaint must include a parenting plan. A complaint for divorce must include both spouses’ names, current addresses, and telephone numbers. Marriage details should also be included, such as the date of marriage, location, and number of children (if any).

Additionally, brief information should be provided on the reasons for divorce and statements concerning property and debts. This document should be signed by both spouses in the presence of a notary public.

#2. Fill out Additional Court Forms

After a complaint for divorce is finished and signed, additional documents may need to be included. The case description form contains details about the case, and the information sheet provides information about spouses and children.

Next, “Findings of Fact and Conclusion of Law and Decree of Divorce” is a document where only the applicable area should be filled out by spouses, and the rest will be filled out by the court. Spouses will be informed when to sign this document.

Finally, a property and debt list should be provided with estimated values for all items.

#3. File Child Support and Custody Documents

Couples with children must file certain documents along with a complaint for divorce. The first one is the “Child Custody Jurisdiction Affidavit,"  where information should be provided about parents, children, and matters of custody.

Next is the “Child Support Guidelines Affidavit,” where spouses need to present details of their financial situation that are relevant to establishing child support obligations. Both documents must be signed and notarized.

Additionally, if couples reach an agreement to share custody over children, they have to provide the “Shared Custody Support Calculation” to the court.

#4. File for Divorce

With all the necessary documents gathered, spouses can file for divorce. Two copies should be made of each document and filed with the clerk’s office at the local courthouse. The most recent tax returns may be needed from both spouses.

At this stage, a filing fee must be paid, and if the spouse is unable to pay the fee, then he/she must request a fee waiver. This is done by filing a “Request for Exemption from Payment of Fees and Order,” and the document must be notarized.

#5. Attend the Parenting Program

Spouses with children will have to attend a parenting program, which will help them determine priorities, improve communication with children, or set up a better parenting plan. Before attending, spouses should visit the local courthouse and obtain information about the available programs.

This step is needed in order for the court to be sure that parents are well informed about possible situations concerning children after divorce. The program will help parents improve their knowledge regarding children and potentially learn something new and important.

#6. Go to the Hearing

The court will schedule a divorce hearing at a certain date and inform both parties by mail. Spouses should bring with them any documents that are important for the divorce process. One of the documents that is very important for the process is the divorce settlement agreement.

A settlement agreement should outline terms and obligations for both spouses after divorce. The court will then examine the agreement to make sure that all terms are fair and in accordance with the law.

If everything is in order and no one has made a divorce complaint, then the judge can grant a decree of divorce. Spouses will receive a copy of the decree from the court clerk.

#7. Change Your Name

Spouses who wish to change their names must state so in “Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and Decree of Divorce” during the divorce process. After the court grants the divorce decree, the spouse can change their name.

With a decree, the name should be changed on all personal documents, like an ID card, passport, or driver’s license. It is important to inform all relevant institutions, like banks, employers, or utility companies, about the name change as well.

Additionally, family members, friends, and colleagues should be informed of the change. Updating contact information on social media accounts should also be considered.