Child Custody Laws in Alaska

Custody is decided by the child's best interests. Factors include the child's physical, emotional, mental, religious and social needs; each parent's ability and desire to meet them; the child's preference if the child is old enough and capable of forming one; love and affection with each parent; stability and continuity; each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent; domestic violence, abuse or neglect; and substance abuse. A parent with a history of domestic violence is presumed not to be awarded sole or joint custody, a presumption that can be overcome only on specific showings.

While a divorce is pending, the court can award temporary child support and issue protective orders, including orders protecting a spouse under the domestic violence law and orders directing a spouse to leave the home. Under the interstate custody law, an Alaska court has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is in Alaska and has been abandoned, or an emergency order is needed because the child, a sibling or a parent is being mistreated or abused or threatened with it. If another state has jurisdiction, the Alaska emergency order lasts only for a period the court sets so the person can get an order from that state.

It depends on the court. Many courts require parents to view the Listen to the Children video, and some also require a special class or workshop. Check with your local court. Separately, a party may ask for mediation within 30 days after a divorce complaint is filed and the court may order it, but not when a domestic violence protective order is in effect.