Matanuska Valley and Anchorage, Alaska's Trusted Child Support Attorneys

Child support generally ends when a child becomes emancipated, which in Alaska is age 18. However, parents can petition the court for an order to continue child support if the child is unmarried, actively pursuing a high school diploma or equivalent vocational training, and living as a dependent with a parent or guardian. This order may provide for the support to be paid directly to the child if the court considers it appropriate.

A court may deviate from the child support guidelines if it finds that unusual circumstances exist, such as large family size, very high or low family income, or extraordinary health expenses. A parent seeking to change or modify a child support order must show a material change in their circumstances. The court will presume that modification is appropriate if the difference between an existing award and the amount determined by a new analysis and application of the current child support guidelines varies by at least 15%. Keep in mind that the court retains its authority to deny a request to change child support if the change would be unfair.

A significant factor impacting the child support payments is the custody arrangement. The percentage of each parent’s net income that will be included in a support order depends on the amount of time they spend with the children. The types of custody considered in child support are primary, shared, divided, and hybrid custody.