By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 13, 2022
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Parents must come to an agreement on child custody when they separate. These arrangements include how they will make major decisions moving forward (referred to as "legal custody") and how they will share time with the child (referred to as "parenting time," "timesharing," or "physical custody," depending on the state). If parents are unable to come to an agreement, courts will decide the best course of action based on state child custody laws.
All states, except Massachusetts, adhere to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which clarifies which state has jurisdiction regarding custody/parenting time matters.
This article provides a general overview of child custody laws in the state of Alaska.
Alaska statute outlines a number of factors that go into child custody decisions, such as the emotional needs of the child and the relationship between the child and each parent. See the Alaska Court System website section on Parenting and Custody for more information and links to forms.
You can find additional details about Alaska child custody laws in the chart below. See FindLaw's extensive Child Custody section for more articles and resources.
| Code Section | § 25.24.150 et seq. of the Alaska Statutes | |
|---|---|---|
| Year Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act Adopted | 1998 | |
| Factors Considered by the Court Before Awarding Custody |
|
|
| Joint Custody an Option? | Yes, § 25.20.060, referred to as "shared custody" in Alaska | |
| Grandparent Visitation Rights Recognized? | Yes, § 25.20.065 | |
| Child's Own Wishes Considered? | Yes |
Note: State laws may change through a few different methods, including the enactment of new legislation and the rulings of higher courts. You should contact an Alaska child custody attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If you and your ex are separating, you might not agree on who gets custody of the child or what the custody arrangement looks like. There are many other factors to consider in these determinations, but the court's primary concern will be the child's own best interests. One of the best ways to get a handle on the process is to seek guidance from an experienced family law attorney.
Contact a qualified attorney.
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