Alaska Child Custody and Support Guidelines

Alaska Child Custody and Support Guidelines:

The court shall determine custody based upon the best interests of the child. In determining the best interests of the child, the court shall consider the following:

• The physical, emotional, mental, religious and social needs of the child.

• The capability and desire of each parent to meet these needs.

• The child's preferences if the child is of sufficient age and capacity to form a preference.

• The love and affection existing between the child and each parent.

• The length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity.

• The desire and ability of each parent to allow an open and loving frequent relationship between the child and the other parent.

• Any evidence of domestic violence, child abuse or neglect.

• Evidence of substance abuse.

• Any other factors the court deems relevant.

[Based on Alaska Statutes 25.24.150]

The court may order either or both parties to pay child support, in either lump sum or periodic payments. Alaska has established Child Support Guidelines which set the presumptive correct amount of child support. Deviation from these guidelines require a showing that application of the guidelines would result in a unjust result. [Based on Alaska Statutes 25.24.160]