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Alaska Child Support Calculator

Calculate estimated child support using Alaska's official guidelines

Percentage of Income Model

About Alaska's Guidelines

Percentage of Income Model based on adjusted net income

Note: Uses adjusted annual income, rates vary by number of children

Key Information

  • Model: Percentage of Income
  • Last Updated: January 15, 2024

Common Deviation Factors

Unusual medical needsEducational costsTravel expenses for visitation

Monthly Income

Alaska uses the Percentage of Income model — only the non-custodial parent's income is used. Enter both incomes and we'll determine the calculation based on your custody time.

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Children & Custody

0 = no overnights182 = equal custody365 = full custody

Additional Monthly Expenses

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Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a Alaska family law attorney for official calculations.

Official Alaska Court Forms

Download official court forms from the Alaska judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.

These links go to official Alaska court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.

Alaska Child Support Guidelines

Percentage of Income ModelLast updated: 2024-07-01

Alaska uses the Alaska Civil Rule 90.3 to determine child support obligations. Under the Percentage of Income model, a fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's adjusted gross income is applied based on the number of children. This approach focuses primarily on the paying parent's ability to contribute.

Alaska has several distinctive features in its child support system. Alaska uses adjusted annual income — includes PFD (Permanent Fund Dividend) as income for both parents. Higher cost of living in Alaska results in higher self-support reserves than most states. Military BAH and other allowances are counted as income for child support purposes.

Alaska bases calculations on adjusted gross income — gross income minus specific allowable deductions defined by state guidelines. This approach balances between gross and net income methods. The self-support reserve in Alaska is $1,600/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.

How Alaska Calculates Child Support

Alaska follows a 6-step process under the Alaska Civil Rule 90.3:

  1. 1

    Calculate the non-custodial parent's total annual income from all sources, including PFD payments

  2. 2

    Subtract mandatory deductions: federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, retirement (mandatory only)

  3. 3

    Apply the percentage based on number of children (20% for one child, 27% for two, etc.)

  4. 4

    Divide by 12 to get monthly obligation

  5. 5

    If shared custody applies (110+ overnights), calculate each parent's obligation and offset

  6. 6

    Court may deviate for hardship or if amount is manifestly unjust

Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in Alaska

Minimum Income Threshold

$0/mo

Self-Support Reserve

$1,600/mo

Federal Poverty Guideline

$1,573/mo

Shared Custody Threshold

110 nights/yr

30% of overnights

Income Basis

adjusted gross

Support Percentages by Number of Children

20%

1 child

27%

2 children

33%

3 children

36%

4 children

39%

5 children

42%

6 children

Custody Time Adjustments in Alaska

Alaska recognizes "Shared Physical Custody" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 110 overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.

Under Alaska's Percentage of Income approach, shared custody adjustments offset each parent's calculated obligation against the other's. Each parent's support is computed independently, and the parent with the higher obligation pays the difference to the other parent.

Below 110 overnights, Alaska generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska Child Support

Does the Alaska PFD count as income for child support?

Yes. The Permanent Fund Dividend is considered income for both parents when calculating child support under Rule 90.3. Each parent's PFD is included in their annual income figure.

What percentage of income is child support in Alaska?

Alaska uses a flat percentage of the non-custodial parent's adjusted income: 20% for one child, 27% for two children, 33% for three, 36% for four, 39% for five, and 42% for six or more children.

How does shared custody work in Alaska?

When each parent has the children at least 30% of overnights (about 110 days/year), Alaska applies a shared custody formula. Each parent's obligation is calculated separately, then the lower amount is subtracted from the higher — the difference is what the higher-earning parent pays.

How to Reduce Child Support Costs in Alaska

While child support is determined by Alaska's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.

Increase Parenting Time

In Alaska, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.

Ensure Accurate Income Reporting

Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.

Claim All Allowable Deductions

Alaska allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.

Request a Modification When Eligible

If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.

Account for Other Children

If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.

Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs

Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.

Key Facts About Child Support in Alaska

Calculation Model

Percentage of Income

Guidelines Source

State Statute

Review Frequency

Every 4 Years

Last Updated

January 15, 2024

Common Questions About Alaska Child Support

What is the average child support payment in Alaska?

Average child support in Alaska varies widely based on income, number of children, and custody arrangement. Using the Percentage of Income model, a typical case with combined income of $6,000/month and one child might result in $800-$1,200/month. Use our calculator above for a personalized estimate.

How do I file for child support in Alaska?

In Alaska, you can file for child support through your local family court or the state's child support enforcement agency. You'll need to provide income documentation, custody information, and details about the children. Many courts offer self-help resources and forms online.

Can I modify child support in Alaska?

Yes, Alaska allows modifications when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as a significant income change (typically 15-25%), change in custody, or change in the child's needs. File a motion with the court that issued the original order.

Does Alaska enforce child support across state lines?

Yes, under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), Alaska cooperates with all other states to enforce child support orders. If the other parent moves to a different state, enforcement can still be pursued through interstate cooperation.

How does shared custody affect child support in Alaska?

When both parents have significant parenting time, Alaska applies a shared custody adjustment. This typically reduces the obligation because both parents directly cover expenses during their time. The threshold and formula vary, so use our calculator to model different custody scenarios.