Under Alaska’s law, biological and adoptive parents must provide financial assistance to their children, regardless of their marital status. By establishing a stable form of support from both parents, their children can continue to grow in a secure and loving environment.
Many people have misconceptions about child support, but understanding how the system really works can you make decisions for your family and finances with greater clarity.
How is child support determined in Alaska?
Child support is based on custody arrangements and legal parentage. In sole custody, the non-custodial parent typically pays the payment. In joint custody, the court determines the amount based on both parents’ income and the percentage of parental time they each have in physical custody.
How much child support will I pay?
Alaska uses a specific formula to compute child support. For sole custody cases, the court requires the non-custodial parent to pay a percentage of their annual income based on the number of their children.
Child support for joint custody cases is more complex. The court starts this process by calculating what each parent would owe under a sole custody arrangement, then applies a formula that takes each parent’s custody time into account.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full cost with my monthly salary?
The Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) can reduce the amount of your monthly withheld salary. This modification can be granted if the parent’s income is 150% of the poverty guideline, if they have a significant disability or illness, or if they live a subsistence lifestyle.
What payment methods are available?
You can opt for direct payments through CSED’s online portal, send the payment by mail or make in-person payments through any child support office near your location. There is also an option called employer garnishments. This CSED order is given to your employer, requiring them to withhold a percentage of your salary to cover your monthly child support payments.
Can I make changes to my child support order?
Although each parent’s situation and custody arrangement is unique, there are some examples that can qualify for a change. These can include:
- Change of income (may be lower or higher)
- Change of order to allow for a yearly visitation credit
- Change in physical custody arrangement
- There is a need for additional medical coverage
- Child support extension after the child turns 18 (e.g., they still live with one parent to pursue their high school diploma)
It took time for the court to approve my modification. Will this cover my previous months of being on a lower income?
The state and federal laws do not cover modification for the months that have already passed. It is recommended by CSED to request a modification as soon as you encounter a change to your employment status or income.
Your children will always be your top priority
Change is a scary thing, but you are not alone on this journey. By staying informed about the process, you can protect your rights and help ensure that your children will always be taken care of.
