Guide to Alaska Divorce Records

Guide to Alaska Divorce Records

Divorce laws and record-access rules vary across the country, but the divorce process follows a consistent legal framework. In Alaska, the process begins when one spouse files a petition for dissolution or a complaint for divorce in the Superior Court.

As the case progresses, the court generates case files and various documents that ultimately become the divorce record. These records are often required for several legal and administrative uses, including verification of court judgments, proof of divorce, genealogical research, and resolving property disputes.

While the level of detail depends on the specific type of record, most Alaska divorce records include the following information:

  • Full names of both spouses

  • City or borough where the divorce petition was filed

  • Name of the Superior Court that handled the case

  • Date the divorce was finalized or granted

  • Divorce case number

  • Details of rulings on property division, debt allocation, alimony, and child custody/support

  • Judgment type (contested or uncontested)

Alaska maintains divorce records in physical and digitized formats. The information contained in these records can vary depending on the circumstances of each case. Therefore, understanding how divorce is handled in the state helps clarify what details are likely to appear in a record and how those records may be accessed.

Most recent divorce records in Alaska can be accessed through the state's online case search system. This system allows you to search records by party name or case number. While this system provides access to basic case details and some document images, full case files are available only in physical form at the Superior Court where the case was heard. Older records, created before the adoption of digital databases, are also available in physical formats such as paper files or microfilm.

Where are Alaska Divorce Records Stored?

Where are Alaska Divorce Records Stored?

The custodian of divorce records in Alaska depends on the type of record and whether it is maintained at the local or state level.

At the local level, divorce case files and divorce decrees are maintained by the Superior Court in the city or borough where the divorce was finalized. Anyone seeking access to these records must contact the Clerk of the Superior Court in the jurisdiction where the case was handled.

At the state level, divorce certificates are maintained by the Alaska Department of Health. Certified copies are issued through the Health Analytics and Vital Records Office. Unlike decrees or case files, divorce certificates serve only as official proof of a divorce. They do not contain the comprehensive details of the case.

Is Alaska a 50/50 Divorce State

Alaska is an equitable distribution state, meaning property and debt are divided in a manner that is fair and reasonable. Unlike community property states, which apply a strict 50/50 division rule in divorce cases, Alaska courts examine the specific circumstances of each case to determine what is equitable.

Under Alaska's law, marital property and debt are any assets or liabilities acquired during the marriage for the benefit of the marriage. However, property obtained before marriage is not automatically excluded from marital property. A spouse's separate, premarital property can become marital if the couple made it clear through words or actions during the marriage that they intended to treat it as jointly owned.

When deciding how to divide property and debt, Alaska courts typically consider several factors:

  • Duration of the Marriage - The length of the marriage plays a significant role in determining how assets and debts are shared. In long-term marriages, equitable distribution may result in an equal division of property and debt. However, judges retain discretion to decide what is fair regardless of the marriage's duration. In short-term marriages, division may be unnecessary if little property or debt has been accumulated. In most cases, each spouse may simply retain what belongs to them.

  • Income and Earning Capacity - Courts consider each spouse's current income and their potential to earn in the future. This assessment considers education, training, employment skills, work experience, time spent away from the job market, and childcare responsibilities during the marriage. If one spouse has a significantly lower earning capacity, they may be awarded a larger share of marital assets to ensure fairness.

  • Whether the Property Can Produce Any Income - Judges must also consider whether a property has the capacity to generate income. If one spouse is awarded an asset that produces a steady cash flow, such as a rental property, the other spouse may receive additional assets to balance the overall division.

  • Circumstances of Each Party - Courts evaluate whether the spouse who relied on the other for financial support can realistically cope on their own.

Types of Alaska Divorce Records

Types of Alaska Divorce Records

Alaska maintains three main types of divorce records, including divorce certificates, decrees, and case files. Each type of record serves a specific administrative or legal purpose. For instance, if you need official proof that a divorce occurred, you can request a divorce certificate. A certificate is required to complete administrative tasks like an application for a name change and a marriage licence.

If you wish to verify the court's decisions on issues such as child custody, child support, alimony, or property division, the correct record to request is the divorce decree. The decree is the court's final judgment and contains all legally binding rulings made during the divorce.

Similarly, if you want to review the complete history of the case, you can request the divorce case file. This file contains all documents related to the case, such as complaints, summons, motions, temporary orders, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and the final decree.

Alaska Divorce Certificate (Certificate of Divorce)

This document is issued by the Alaska Department of Health through the Health Analytics and Vital Records Office. A divorce certificate is a one-page certified document stating who is divorced, when, and where the divorce occurred.

Unlike a decree, it does not outline the court's rulings on matters such as property division, alimony, or child support. Divorce certificates are used for administrative purposes, including name changes, marriage license applications, identification, and genealogical research.

While divorce case files are generally accessible as public records, divorce certificates remain restricted for 50 years after the date of the event. During this time, they can only be issued to the persons named on the certificate, their legal representatives, and persons who can prove they are legally entitled to receive them.

Divorce Decree (Final Judgment of Divorce)

A divorce decree is a ruling that summarizes the rights and responsibilities of the divorced parties. This document outlines the basic information regarding the divorce, including the case number, the parties, the date of divorce, and the terms the parties have agreed upon.

The Superior Court in the city or borough where the divorce was filed issues the decree. An Alaska divorce decree typically includes rulings on the following matters:

  • Property and Debt Division - It outlines how marital property, including assets and debts, is divided between both parties.

  • Alimony - A divorce decree clarifies whether any party will receive spousal support and the type, amount, and duration of that support.

  • Child Custody and Support - The divorce decree also includes details of child custody arrangement, visitation, and support where applicable.

  • Final Judgment Date - This is the official date the judge signs the decree. It is also the date the marriage is officially dissolved.

Divorce Case File

A divorce case file is the complete record of everything filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court during the divorce process. It includes documents such as the initial complaint, summons, answers, motions, temporary orders, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and the final decree. Unlike a divorce decree, which is a binding court order, the case file is simply a collection of all documents that show the history of the divorce from start to finish.

Divorce case files are available at the Superior Court in the city or borough where the divorce was filed. You can view divorce case files in person at the appropriate courthouse that handled the divorce.

How to File for Divorce in Alaska (Step-by-Step)

To file for divorce or dissolution of marriage in Alaska, at least one spouse must be a resident of the state. Generally, you are considered a resident if you are living in Alaska when you file and intend to continue living in the state after the divorce. If your spouse lives outside Alaska, the court may lack jurisdiction over certain issues, and your spouse could request dismissal of the case.

If you do not meet the residency requirements to file in Alaska, you may encourage your spouse to file the case if he or she meets the necessary residency requirements for Alaska. Alternatively, you can file in another state where either of you meets residency rules. State residency laws may be different, so check the state in which you were married and the states where you live as options for where to file.

Another factor to consider is whether the case will be contested or uncontested. The type of complaint you file to end your marriage affects both the cost of the process and the time it will take to resolve.

  • Uncontested Complaint - In Alaska, an uncontested case is known as a dissolution of marriage. Here, both parties agree on all the issues regarding the divorce and file court papers that support their agreement. These issues include marital property division, child support, alimony, and child custody and visitation:

    Uncontested cases are generally faster because the parties spend less time reaching an agreement. However, in Alaska, these cases still go before a judge for a short hearing so both parties can put the agreement on the record. At this hearing, both parties will tell the judge what they agreed on. The judge will then confirm if the agreement is voluntary and reasonable.

  • Contested Complaint - A contested case is known as a divorce in Alaska. This type of complaint is filed when both spouses can not agree on one or more issues regarding the divorce. In a contested case, the defendant typically disputes or opposes the plaintiff's request.

  • Disagreements may involve custody, visitation, support, alimony, or division of assets. In contested cases, the judge makes the final decisions after hearings, mediation, or trial. As a result, both spouses have limited control over the outcome and must follow the court's ruling.

Once Alaska's residency requirement is met and you have determined the type of case that applies to your situation, you may proceed with the filing.

Step-by-Step Divorce Process

The Alaska Superior Court follows unified rules of civil procedure in divorce cases. In Alaska, individuals may file either a dissolution of marriage or a divorce. A dissolution of marriage is an uncontested petition jointly filed by both spouses to terminate the marriage, while a divorce is a contested petition filed when the parties disagree on key issues.

Prepare the Filing Packet

This critical step involves gathering, completing, and organizing the initial legal documents required by the Superior Court to formally begin the dissolution or divorce process.

  • Identify the Divorce Path (1A vs. 1B) - This is where you decide if the divorce will be contested or uncontested.

  • Prepare the Required Documents - Assemble the following documents:

    • Petition for dissolution of marriage / divorce complaint - This is the first document filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court. It provides basic information about the marriage and specifies the relief sought. You must sign every page and get the petition notarized before filing. Once the petition is signed, you have only 60 days to file it with the court. If you delay filing beyond that date, the court will not accept it.

    • Information Sheet - Alaska law requires the submission of an information sheet containing your personal details and those of your children, if you have any. This document is confidential and must be submitted in a separate envelope.

    • Certificate of Divorce, Dissolution of Marriage, or Annulment Form - You are required to provide information that will be sent to the Health Analytics and Vital Records Office in preparation for your divorce certificate after the case is finalized.

    • Other forms that may be submitted to the Clerk of the Superior Court at the time of filing, depending on your situation, include the shared custody child support calculation form, request for exemption from payment of fees, case description, financial declaration, and request to change to a new name in a dissolution case.

  • Filing Fees and Fee Waivers - The filing fee for divorce, dissolution, or custody cases in Alaska is $250. If you cannot afford to pay the filing fee because you have a very low income, you can ask the judge to waive payment by filing a request for exemption from payment of fees.

File the Case

After gathering the necessary paperwork and preparing the applicable filing fee, you may proceed with the following steps to officially file your case:

  • Where to File - Divorce, dissolution, and custody cases are filed with the Superior Court in the city or borough where either spouse lives.

  • Filing Methods - You can file your completed paperwork using any of these methods based on your preference and availability:

    • In person - Visit the Superior Court Clerk's office to submit all the required documents and appropriate fees in person.

    • Mail - If the Superior Court Clerk's office allows mail-in submission, submit the appropriate forms and proof of filing fee payment by mail.

    • Electronic Filing (eFiling) - You can file your divorce online using TrueFiling. To use this service, you must first create an account on the Alaska judicial website. After that, you can upload your petition and all attachments as one bundle. Expect to pay the filing fee with a debit or credit card.

  • What You Receive - Regardless of the filing method adopted, you will receive the following after filing a divorce case in Alaska:

    • Assigned a case number to help you track the divorce case

    • The name of the judge who will handle the case

    • Summons if the divorce is a contested case

    • Initial court notices or scheduling information

Service of Process (Primarily for Contested Cases)

In a contested case, you must formally notify your spouse that you have filed a complaint. This official notice is called service of process. Alaska law also requires you to make every reasonable effort to locate your spouse in order to serve them with the documents. This effort is known as diligent inquiry.

You can serve your spouse with a copy of the complaint and summons either through certified mail or by hiring a process server.

Certified mail is usually less expensive. However, you must pay for restricted delivery and request a return receipt. This ensures that you receive either the green card or an electronic receipt confirming that the defendant received the documents.

Hiring a process server, on the other hand, is more costly. In Alaska, it can cost more than $130. Despite the high cost of this service, it is often the best option if the defendant refuses to sign for certified mail.

After serving your spouse, you are required to inform the judge in writing about how and when the documents were delivered.

If you conduct a diligent inquiry but still cannot find your spouse, you must ask the court for permission to serve them in another way. This may include posting the documents on the court's legal notice website or using another method that is likely to notify your spouse about the case.

Early Case Phase and Temporary Orders

Once your spouse files a response to your divorce petition in Alaska, the case moves from the initial filing phase into the discovery phase. Under Alaska Civil Rule 26.1, each spouse is required to exchange detailed financial information within 45 days of the response being filed.

In most cases, discovery leads to the issuance of temporary orders, which help stabilize the situation and address urgent parental, property, or financial matters while the case is pending.

During this early phase, both spouses can take steps to manage immediate needs, including:

  • Exchange relevant financial documents to establish the scope of the divorce case

  • Filing a motion requesting a temporary order if issues like child care or financial needs arise

  • Gather evidence to demonstrate the need for temporary relief, such as property deeds, pay stubs, or school records

  • After mediation, the judge may hold a hearing to determine whether to issue temporary orders, which may include:

    • Temporary child or spousal support

    • Exclusive use of marital property, such as the marital home

    • Child custody and visitation arrangements

    • Restraining or protective orders when safety is a concern

Temporary orders provide short-term relief and remain in effect until the final divorce decree is issued.

Financial Disclosures and Discovery

Discovery provides both spouses with access to the information necessary to ensure a fair outcome in divorce proceedings. Under Alaska law, each party is required to make full and honest financial disclosures during a divorce case.

Below are essential elements of financial discovery in an Alaska divorce case:

  • Mandatory Disclosure - Within 45 days after your spouse responds to your divorce petition, you are required to provide the other party with information regarding any property in which you may have an interest, including businesses and partnerships. In addition, both spouses must grant each other authorization to obtain records related to employment benefits, bank accounts, retirement accounts, tax returns, debts, and other investments.

  • Discovery Tools - In contested divorce proceedings, several discovery tools may be employed to gather information necessary to make reasonable decisions regarding alimony, property division, and other issues:

    • Request Documents - Parties may request copies of financial records, including tax returns, pay stubs, and bank or retirement account statements.

    • Interrogatories - You can send written questions that must be answered under oath about finances and other case details.

    • Depositions - Take sworn testimony in person, outside of court, to gather additional financial information.

Case Management and Court Conferences

A case management conference is an early, court-mandated meeting in contested divorce proceedings involving the judge, the parties, and their attorneys. Its purpose is to establish the case timeline, address any missing financial disclosures, and identify contested issues

During this stage, the judge expects to have completed disclosures, identified unresolved legal and factual issues, and be ready to discuss settlement. When these expectations are not met, the following actions may occur during a pretrial conference in Alaska:

  • Review of each party's progress on financial disclosures

  • Clarification of contested areas relative to agreed-upon terms

  • Establishment of deadlines for discovery, expert evaluations, and depositions

  • Mandatory mediation is ordered to help the parties work through complex matters, including child custody

  • Issuance of temporary orders to resolve immediate concerns, including alimony, possession of the marital residence, and temporary child support

Settlement or Trial

Many divorce cases in Alaska are resolved through settlement. Alaska allows couples seeking divorce to participate in a divorce conference, during which they meet with a judge to explore potential settlement options. The judge's role is to facilitate agreement by reviewing each party's proposals and offering guidance on whether the terms are fair and reasonable.

If both spouses reach an agreement on matters such as property division, child custody, and support, the settlement is submitted to the court for approval.

Settlement options include:

  • Signing a marital settlement agreement

  • Negotiating directly with your spouse

  • Participating in mediation with a neutral facilitator

  • Attorney-led settlement discussions

If the spouses cannot reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, the case proceeds to a formal trial, where a judge issues final decisions. Even in contested cases, Alaska courts encourage settlement to reduce the time and expense associated with litigation.

You can expect the following to happen at trial:

  • Presentation of evidence and witness testimony

  • Submission of proposed findings and judgments by each party

  • Judicial rulings on all unresolved issues, including the equitable distribution of marital property

Judgment, Waiting Periods, and Finalization

Alaska has a mandatory waiting period in divorce cases:

  • The 30-Day Waiting Period - Alaska has a 30-day waiting period after the divorce is filed before the judge signs the final divorce decree. Once a divorce decree is signed by the judge and filed with the court, you are legally free to remarry.

Child Custody and Child Support in Alaska Divorces

If a minor child is involved in a divorce case, the court has a duty to ensure that the outcome does not negatively affect the child's stability or overall well-being. As such, child support and custody issues are often handled separately from marital property matters.

In Alaska, the court determines custody based on which arrangement is in the child's best interests. In determining a child's best interests, courts may consider the following factors:

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

  • The ability of each parent to meet the physical, emotional, mental, and social needs of the child

  • The child's preference, if the child is of sufficient age

  • The emotional relationship between the child and the parent

  • Any evidence of domestic violence, child abuse, or child neglect in the proposed custodial household

Legal Custody vs. Physical Custody

Under Alaska's law, child custody may be legal or physical, and parents may share one or both types depending on the circumstances.

Joint legal or physical custody may be awarded if both parents agree to the arrangement in a parenting plan and the court finds it is in the child's best interests.

The court may also order joint custody after a hearing if it independently determines that such an arrangement benefits the child.

  • Legal Custody - Legal custody gives a parent the right to make important decisions about the child's education, health care, and religious upbringing. This can be either joint or sole. Sole legal custody is granted when one parent is unfit due to issues such as severe mental illness, substance abuse, or domestic violence, or when the parents cannot communicate effectively about the child. Joint legal custody allows both parents to share decision-making responsibilities.

  • Physical Custody - Concerns the child's daily residence and care. Physical custody is the right of a parent to have the child or children actually live in their home. There are two types of physical custody arrangements and they are primary physical custody and shared physical custody.

    Primary physical custody is when the child lives with one parent more than 70% of the year (256 or more overnights), while the other parent has fewer than 30% (less than 110 nights). In situations where the court orders shared physical custody, the child will live with each parent at least 30% of the year. In other words, the child lives with each parent for at least 110 nights.

Child Support Guidelines and Enforcement

Alaska's Civil Rule 90.3 sets out the formula for calculating child support obligations. The formula differs depending on whether custody is awarded to one parent or shared between both. Overall, the court considers the following factors when determining the amount to be paid as child support:

  • Both parents' incomes

  • The number of minor children involved

  • The amount of time each child spends with each parent

Once a child support order is issued, payments are legally enforceable. Alaska uses several enforcement methods to address nonpayment, including:

  • Suspension of driver's or professional licenses

  • Wage withholding (automatic deductions from paychecks)

  • Interception of federal and state tax refunds

  • Initiating court actions that may result in penalties, including fines or jail time

Property, Debt, and Alimony in Alaska Divorces

In most divorce proceedings, the court must decide how marital property and debts will be divided and whether alimony should be granted. In Alaska, judges divide marital property based on what they believe is fair given the circumstances of the case.

  • Marital property refers to income and assets acquired by either spouse during the marriage.

  • Separate property, on the other hand, includes assets owned before the marriage or those received individually as gifts or inheritances. In Alaska, separate property is not automatically excluded from property division. A spouse's separate, premarital property can become marital if the couple made it clear through words or actions during the marriage that they intended to treat it as jointly owned.

In an Alaska divorce, the court must consider the parties' debts when dividing property. This includes money owed to a business or person that happened during the marriage. Some common types of debt in a divorce or dissolution case include credit card debt, medical bills, mortgages, car loans, or personal loans.

When allocating marital debt, Alaska courts evaluate several factors, including:

  • Each party's ability to repay the debt

  • The spouse that incurred the debt and for what purpose

  • Whether only one party or both spouses benefited from the debt

  • The overall distribution of marital property

Under state law, alimony may be awarded to provide temporary financial support to one party. This is usually done to help the spouse transition, for example, by reentering the workforce or completing education or training. Common types of alimony in the state include:

  • Rehabilitative Alimony - This form of support helps a spouse pay for education or job training. The expectation is that the funds will be used to gain skills needed for employment or career advancement. Courts usually require the spouse to present a clear plan, including career goals, how the program supports those goals, and the time needed to complete it. Rehabilitative alimony is typically limited to the reasonable period required to finish a degree or training program, often up to four years.

  • Reorientative Alimony - This type of support is short-term, usually lasting a year or less. It is designed to help a spouse adjust to living on reduced income after divorce. Reorientative alimony is often awarded when the division of marital property does not adequately meet one spouse's immediate needs. For example, it may provide temporary financial assistance while a spouse waits for the sale of a marital home.

Errors, Omissions, and Corrections in Alaska Divorce Records

Divorce records may contain mistakes such as incorrect dates, misspelled names, missing details, or other clerical errors. Any error appearing on a divorce certificate or decree must be corrected quickly. If left unresolved, the document may be rejected for identification purposes, administrative use, or legal enforcement.

If the mistake is on a divorce certificate, you must contact the Office of Health Analytics and Vital Records (HAVRS) special services unit. You can contact the unit via the telephone at (907) 465-1200. When making your request, you will need to provide the exact details of the correction you want to make on the certificate.

On the other hand, errors in a divorce decree must be addressed through the Superior Court that issued the final judgment. This typically requires filing a motion to correct mistakes. The judge will review the request and decide whether a correction or amendment is appropriate.

Once the court approves the correction, you may obtain updated copies of the certificate or decree from the appropriate office:

  • An updated divorce certificate can be obtained from the Alaska Department of Health through the Office of Health Analytics and Vital Records.

  • Get your updated Alaska divorce decree from the Clerk's Office of the Superior Court in the city or borough where the divorce was finalized.

How to Access Alaska Divorce Records

How to Access Alaska Divorce Records

You can search Alaska's divorce records online, in person, or by mail. The appropriate search method depends on the type of record you seek.

Online Access

  • Divorce Decrees - You can search unsealed divorce records, including decrees, through Alaska's online case search system. This system allows searches by party name and case number for free. However, there may be fees for ordering specific documents.

  • Divorce Certificates - You can request Alaska divorce certificates issued by the Alaska Department of Health online through VitalCheck. However, Alaska divorce certificates are restricted for 50 years after the date of the event. During this time, they can only be issued to the authorized persons.

In-Person Request

  • Divorce Decrees - The Superior Court Clerk's offices in the city or borough where Alaska divorces are finalized are the official custodians of the full divorce case files, including decrees. To obtain copies of a final judgment of divorce in the state in person, visit the Superior Court Clerk's office in the city or borough where the process was filed and the divorce granted. You are expected to pay a fee to obtain certified copies of records.

  • Divorce Certificates - You can obtain an Alaska divorce certificate in person by filling out the application form and submitting it at the Health Analytics and Vital Records Office in Juneau or Anchorage. Vital Records Offices are open Monday through Friday between 8.30 A.M and 4.30 P.M. You will be required to provide any of the IDs listed on the form and pay the appropriate fee. Generally, the office issues certificates only to the authorized persons.

Mail-in Request

  • Divorce Decrees - Most Superior Courts in Alaska accept requests for divorce case files by mail. You can submit your request for copies to the records department or the Clerk of Court where the case was originally filed. To obtain a divorce case file, including decrees, download, complete, and mail the application form to the appropriate court. The fee is $10.00 for the first certified copy and $3.00 for each additional certified copy of the same document when requested at the same time.

  • Divorce Certificates - The Alaska State Department of Health processes mail requests for divorce certificates through the Health Analytics and Vital Records Office. To request a divorce certificate by mail, you must download, complete, and send an application form to:

    • Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records Office- P.O. Box 110675, Juneau, Alaska 99811-0675

Your application must list the names of both spouses, the location of the divorce, the date it was granted, and a photocopy of your current government-issued photo ID. If you are not a party in the divorce, or a family member of either party in the divorce, your request for a divorce certificate may be rejected. Divorce certificates only become public 50 years after the divorce is finalized.

Alaska Courthouses That Handle Divorces

Before filing for divorce in Alaska or attempting to obtain divorce records, it is essential to determine which court has jurisdiction over such matters. Identifying the appropriate court ensures that you know where to submit your divorce filing and which office maintains the official records.

Court Authority for Alaska Divorce Cases

The Superior Courts in Alaska have jurisdiction over divorce cases and family law matters. These courts are authorized to resolve issues involving divorce, alimony, child custody, property division, and child support.

County-Based Filing

Divorce records in Alaska are maintained at the city and borough level. As such, it is crucial to identify the correct jurisdiction and court location when filing a divorce case or requesting copies of divorce decrees. In most situations, the appropriate venue is the city or borough where the defendant resides. If both spouses live in Alaska, however, the case may be filed in either spouse's city or borough of residence.

Divorce certificates are issued separately by the Alaska Health Analytics and Vital Records Office. Below are examples of Superior Courts where final divorce decrees may be obtained:

Jurisdiction Basics

In Alaska, divorce cases are typically filed in the Superior Court of the city or borough where either spouse resides. Superior Courts do not have the authority to grant divorces or issue decrees. However, they do handle matters involving domestic violence.

Examples of Alaska Superior Courts

Each city or borough in Alaska is home to at least one Superior Court. Here are examples of Superior Courts in the state:

  • Angoon Superior Court (1st Judicial District of Alaska)

  • Anchorage Superior Court (3rd Judicial District of Alaska)

  • Fairbanks Superior Court (4th Judicial District of Alaska)

  • Ketchikan Court (1st Judicial District of Alaska)

Role of the Superior Court Clerk

The Superior Court Clerks play the following key roles in Alaska divorce cases and records:

  • Accepting divorce petitions and assigning case numbers

  • Issue court notices and summons

  • Maintaining official case files for all divorce proceedings

  • Providing certified copies of divorce decrees and related orders to eligible individuals

FAQ

Are Divorce Records Public in Alaska?

While divorce case files are considered public records and may be inspected or copied, divorce certificates are classified as vital records. These certificates only become public 50 years after the divorce is finalized.

Before that 50-year period has passed, access to divorce certificates is restricted to authorized individuals such as the couple, their children, and immediate family members.

What is the Difference Between a Certificate and a Decree?

An Alaska divorce certificate serves as a summary of a finalized divorce case, while a divorce decree is the full, legally binding court order. The Alaska Department of Health, through the Health Analytics and Vital Records Office, issues divorce certificates. Divorce decrees, on the other hand, are issued by the Superior Courts.

Do I Need to Know the County?

To locate a divorce decree, you must know the specific court location where the divorce was filed and finalized. The divorce decree is available at the Superior Court Clerk's office in the city or borough where the divorce was finalized.

How Far Back Do Records Go?

Alaska divorce certificates date back to January 1913 and are maintained by the Alaska Department of Health. Older records are available at the local superior court where the case was filed and finalized.

How Much Does it Cost?

An Alaska divorce certificate costs $30. A certified copy of a divorce decree costs $10 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same document when ordered at the same time.

Can I Search Alaska Divorce Records for Free?

While you can search divorce case files for free, you may be required to pay a fee for a divorce decree or certified copies of divorce records.

Alaska Divorce Records: Search Online & Get Records