{"id":371442,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/alaska-law\/alaska-legal-requirements-for-divorce.html"},"modified":"2024-12-16T17:05:00","modified_gmt":"2024-12-16T22:05:00","slug":"alaska-legal-requirements-for-divorce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alaska-law\/alaska-legal-requirements-for-divorce.html","title":{"rendered":"Alaska Divorce Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Alaska Divorce Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Alaska’s divorce laws dictate how and when you can get divorced. If you’re considering filing for divorce, you should learn about these laws. We will highlight the relevant laws here. We have also included a chart that breaks down Alaska’s laws<\/a> on alimony, grounds for divorce, and defenses to divorce.<\/p>\r\n

While we offer a summary of Alaska’s divorce statutes, seek advice<\/a> for your legal issues to ensure the best outcome in your divorce case.<\/p>\r\n

Legal Requirements for Divorce in Alaska<\/h2>\r\n

You must meet the state’s residency requirements<\/a> to file for divorce in Alaska. There is no specific duration that you and your spouse need to live in the state as a married couple before filing for divorce. However, if you have minor children, they must have lived in Alaska for at least six consecutive months prior to the filing to establish jurisdiction over child custody matters.<\/p>\r\n

Alaska also has a mandatory 30-day waiting period<\/a>. This is the period of time the Alaska family courts<\/a> must wait before issuing a final divorce decree.<\/p>\r\n

No-Fault Divorce Cases vs. Fault-Based Divorce<\/h2>\r\n

When you file your petition for dissolution of marriage, you must decide whether you want to file a no-fault or fault-based divorce case<\/a>. Every state, including Alaska, recognizes no-fault divorce. Most people opt for this type of divorce. Not only do the courts resolve these cases faster, but you have a better chance of enjoying an amicable divorce this way.<\/p>\r\n

With a fault-based divorce<\/a>, you must cite specific grounds for divorce in your divorce complaint. This type of divorce makes sense if your marriage involved domestic violence<\/a> or extreme cruelty.<\/p>\r\n

The grounds for divorce in Alaska include the following:<\/p>\r\n