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Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Alaska

December 23, 2025

Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Alaska (Dissolution): A Plain English Guide

If you and your spouse agree your marriage is over and you do not want a long court battle, the most common “simple” path in Alaska is a Dissolution of Marriage. Dissolution is Alaska’s joint, agreed process for ending a marriage through the Alaska Superior Court.

You will still hear people say “uncontested divorce in Alaska,” but when you are dealing with the Alaska Court System, the vocabulary that matters is dissolution, DR series forms, and Civil Rule 90.3 for child support.

This guide explains, in plain English, how an Alaska dissolution usually works: who qualifies, the steps, what changes if you have children, what to expect for timeline and costs, and where a DIY kit can help you stay organized.

Important disclaimer: PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm and this article is not legal advice. It is general legal information. Court rules, forms, and fees can change. Always verify details with the Alaska Court System or a local lawyer before relying on any summary.

Table of Contents

uncontested divorce in Alaska

1. What is an uncontested or simple divorce in Alaska?

In Alaska, a “simple” or “uncontested” divorce usually means both spouses agree on everything and there is no need for the judge to decide disputes. The Alaska Court System’s most direct version of that is a Dissolution of Marriage.

There are two main ways to end a marriage in Alaska:

  • Dissolution of Marriage – a joint process where you file together and agree on all issues (property, debts, parenting, child support, and spousal support).
  • Divorce (Complaint) – one spouse files a complaint. It can become uncontested later if you agree, but it starts as a standard case with service rules and response deadlines.

If you are searching for “Alaska divorce papers,” you are often really looking for the dissolution packet and the correct DR series forms used in the Superior Court.

2. Who qualifies for a dissolution (uncontested divorce) in Alaska?

Many couples qualify for an Alaska dissolution. The key is not how long you have been separated, but whether you have a valid Alaska residency connection and can truly agree on all terms.

2.1 Residency in Alaska

Alaska generally focuses on whether at least one spouse is an Alaska resident (domicile). In practical terms, that usually means physical presence in Alaska with intent to remain. If you are close to the residency line (or you are military), verify what applies to you before filing.

2.2 Agreement: what you must agree on

To use the dissolution process, you must agree on all of the following:

  • Ending the marriage (both spouses want the dissolution).
  • Property and debts (who keeps what and who pays what).
  • Spousal support (if any).
  • If you have children: custody and parenting schedule, and child support under Civil Rule 90.3.

If you cannot agree on one or more major issues, your case may need the complaint based divorce process and may become contested. In that situation, consider getting legal advice before filing or signing final agreements.

3. The Alaska dissolution forms that matter (including the commonly missed “hard stop” forms)

Alaska dissolutions are built around DR series court forms. Most people recognize the main petition, but many DIY filings get rejected because the “extra” mandatory forms were missed.

These are the high signal Alaska dissolution forms to know:

  • DR-100 – Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (no minor children).
  • DR-105 – Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (with children).
  • DR-314 – Information Sheet (mandatory case information cover sheet).
  • VS-401 – Certificate of Divorce (vital statistics reporting form). This is the form that reports the divorce to state records, and it is commonly required as part of the filing packet.

If you have children, the child support paperwork becomes the “credibility section” of the filing. Alaska support is calculated under Civil Rule 90.3, and the correct worksheet depends on the parenting schedule.

  • DR-305 – Child Support Guidelines Affidavit (commonly used to support Rule 90.3 calculations).
  • DR-306 – Shared Custody Calculation (used when the children spend more than 110 overnights with the other parent).

The hearing waiver “ask”: If traveling to court is a serious problem, Alaska provides a specific request form: DR-110 (Request to Waive Appearance at Hearing). If the judge grants it, you may be able to finish without attending in person.

4. Step by step: how an Alaska dissolution usually works

Every family is different, but most Alaska dissolutions follow the same general path.

Step 1 – Confirm you qualify for dissolution

  • At least one spouse has an Alaska residency connection.
  • You both agree the marriage should end.
  • You have a complete agreement on children, support, property, and debts.

Step 2 – Reach complete agreements (especially on support and property)

  • Children: parenting schedule, decision making, holidays, travel, and communication.
  • Child support: calculated using Civil Rule 90.3, with the correct worksheet for your schedule.
  • Spousal support: whether any will be paid, how much, and for how long.
  • Property and debts: list everything and decide who keeps what and who pays what.

The clearer and more complete your agreement is, the smoother the judge’s review tends to be.

Step 3 – Complete the correct petition and the “often missed” mandatory forms

This is where many DIY dissolutions fail. Your petition is not the whole packet. A complete filing commonly includes:

  • DR-100 (no children) or DR-105 (with children).
  • DR-314 Information Sheet.
  • VS-401 Certificate of Divorce (vital statistics reporting).
  • If you have children, the Rule 90.3 child support forms (including shared custody forms when applicable).
  • If you want to try to finish without attending a hearing, DR-110 Request to Waive Appearance at Hearing (if appropriate for your situation).

Step 4 – File with the Alaska Superior Court

You file the dissolution with the Alaska Superior Court in the appropriate location/judicial district. The filing fee for a divorce or dissolution case is typically $250 (confirm current fees before filing).

Step 5 – Attend the dissolution hearing or request a waiver

Many dissolutions involve a short hearing where the judge confirms you understand the agreement and are signing voluntarily. If appearing in person is a serious hardship, the specific form to ask about is DR-110 (Request to Waive Appearance at Hearing). If the judge grants the request, you may be able to finalize without going to the courthouse.

Step 6 – Wait the minimum waiting period

Even in an uncontested dissolution, Alaska generally requires a minimum waiting period after filing before the judge can sign the final decree. Your court location and schedule can affect timing.

Step 7 – Receive the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

If the judge approves your paperwork and agreements, the court will issue a Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. Keep certified copies if you will need them for name changes, benefits, retirement accounts, or other administrative updates.

5. If you do not file jointly: uncontested divorce by complaint

Some couples do not file a dissolution together. Instead, one spouse files a divorce complaint, serves the other spouse, and the case later becomes agreed and uncontested. In that track, service rules and deadlines matter.

Even if you “agree on everything,” you still need to follow the court’s procedural rules so the judge can legally finalize the case.

6. Special issues if you have children (Rule 90.3, PFDs, and shared custody)

Having children does not prevent an agreed dissolution in Alaska, but it does mean the judge will review your parenting plan and child support paperwork carefully.

6.1 Shared custody and the “30% rule” (110 overnights)

If the children spend more than 110 overnights per year with the other parent (about 30% of the year), Alaska treats that as shared custody for child support purposes, and the calculation changes. The specific shared custody worksheet is DR-306.

6.2 Permanent Fund Dividends (PFDs)

PFDs matter in Alaska child support because they are treated as income for support calculations (they are included as dividends, including permanent fund dividends).

Practical planning tip: parents should be clear about who applies for the children’s PFDs, where the funds are deposited, and how they will be handled year to year, because this is a common source of future conflict.

7. How long does a dissolution take in Alaska?

No two cases are identical, but timing usually depends on (1) whether your packet is complete, (2) whether children and support paperwork is accurate, and (3) your court’s scheduling and review timeline.

8. What does an Alaska dissolution cost?

The filing fee for a divorce or dissolution case is typically $250 (confirm current fees before filing).

Other common costs can include notary fees (if needed), copying, and certified copies of the final decree.

9. Where a self help dissolution kit fits in

Alaska provides the DR forms, but forms alone do not always explain how everything connects, or which attachments are the most commonly missed. A structured Alaska dissolution kit can help you follow the correct sequence and avoid rejected filings caused by missing forms like DR-314 and VS-401, or by using the wrong child support worksheet for shared custody.

Download Our Alaska Uncontested Divorce (Dissolution) Self Help Kit

Reminder: PlainDivorce provides legal information and self help tools, not legal advice or attorney representation. Always verify current requirements with official sources before filing.

10. Alaska dissolution FAQ

What is an uncontested or simple divorce in Alaska?

In Alaska, most “simple” cases are handled as a Dissolution of Marriage, which is a joint filing where you agree on everything and submit your agreement to the Alaska Superior Court for approval.

What are the most commonly missed required forms in an Alaska dissolution?

Two commonly missed “hard stop” items are the DR-314 Information Sheet and the VS-401 Certificate of Divorce, which are listed as required forms in the dissolution packet.

How do I ask to finish without going to the dissolution hearing?

The specific form to request a hearing waiver is DR-110 (Request to Waive Appearance at Hearing). If the judge grants it, you may be able to finalize without attending in person.

When do we use the shared custody child support worksheet?

If the children spend more than 110 overnights per year with the other parent, the shared custody calculation applies, and the worksheet is DR-306.

Do PFDs count as income for Alaska child support?

Yes. For child support purposes, dividends income includes permanent fund dividends.

About Harry D

Expert contributor at PlainDivorce, helping Canadians and American navigate simple uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence.