Child Support in Alaska
State-specific overview · Family Law
Alaska applies income shares model; obligor pays percentage of combined parental income.
How Alaska treats Child Support
Alaska uses the income shares model, where each parent pays a percentage of their combined adjusted income based on custody arrangement. The state has specific percentage guidelines: roughly 20% for one child, 27% for two children, and higher percentages for additional children. Support continues until age 19 unless the child is still in high school, in which case it may extend to graduation. Alaska also requires parents to maintain health insurance for the child when reasonably available.
The general definition of Child Support
Court-ordered payments from one parent to the other for a child's living expenses.
Child support is money that a court requires one parent to pay to the other parent (or guardian) to help cover the child's expenses like food, housing, education, and healthcare. The amount is usually calculated using state guidelines that consider both parents' incomes, the number of children, and custody arrangements. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of majority, typically 18 or 21 depending on the state. It's a legal obligation separate from custody decisions.
Read the full Child Support entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.