Learn how Alaska's dissolution of marriage process works, including eligibility requirements, required forms, and what to expect in court.
Most states offer two types of divorce: contested and uncontested. A divorce is “contested” when the spouses don’t agree on some or all aspects of the divorce, meaning that a judge will hold a trial, examine the evidence, and call witnesses. The contested divorce process takes quite a while.
In contrast, in an uncontested divorce (also called a “dissolution of marriage” in Alaska), the spouses agree on all issues required to end their marriage, so there’s no need for the judge to hold a trial. An uncontested divorce is much faster and cheaper than traditional divorce—spouses can hire divorce attorneys or use a DIY solution like an online divorce service.
Overview of Uncontested Divorce in Alaska
In Alaska, when spouses have decided to divorce and agree on how to proceed, they can jointly file for a “dissolution of marriage.” The spouses must file together unless the filing spouse can't find the other after making reasonable efforts to do so.
Both spouses must agree on all major issues to proceed with an uncontested divorce. These issues include alimony, child custody, child support, and division of property and debt.
Because there’s no need for a trial or multiple court appearances, the most significant benefit of an uncontested divorce is that it typically costs less than a contested divorce. Uncontested divorces also tend to be quicker and less contentious.
You don’t need to hire a lawyer to get an uncontested divorce in Alaska, and you can represent yourself during the process. You can try to handle everything yourself or use an online service that eases the process. Also, even though there’s no court battle in an uncontested divorce, one or both spouses can hire attorneys to help them through the process. You might want to talk to a lawyer, for instance, if you have a lot of assets, you have children, or you just have unanswered questions.
If you choose to work with one, an attorney can give you advice on your proposed settlement, make sure you complete the paperwork correctly, and see that you file your paperwork on time. (Keep in mind that there’s another kind of professional—a mediator—who can help spouses reach agreements and prepare the paperwork that finalizes the divorce.)
Requirements for an Uncontested Divorce in Alaska
To get an uncontested divorce in Alaska, either you or your spouse has to be a resident of Alaska. Being a resident of Alaska means that you currently live in Alaska and intend to remain in Alaska for the foreseeable future. You and your spouse also must agree on the following:
- to end your marriage because you no longer get along and don't want to be married anymore (an "irremediable breakdown of the marriage")
- how to divide your property
- who is responsible for marital debts, and
- whether one of you should pay spousal support (alimony) to the other.
Additionally, when you and your spouse have children together younger than 19, you must agree on:
- a parenting plan that determines legal and physical custody of the child as well as a visitation schedule for the noncustodial parent, and
- child support.
(Alaska Stat. § 25.24.200(a)(2) (2026).)
Alaska’s Uncontested Divorce Process
The required forms and fees for an uncontested divorce in Alaska are standardized statewide. You can find them on the Alaska Court System’s self-help website or at your local courthouse. For more information about Alaska’s dissolution procedures, you can visit AlaskaLawHelp.org.
(Alaska Stat. § 25.24.250 (2026).)
Filing the Complaint for Uncontested Divorce in Alaska
To begin your uncontested divorce in Alaska, you will need to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. There are two versions of the petition—which one you should fill out depends on whether you have minor children (younger than 19) with your spouse.
If you and your spouse have no minor children together, you can file Dissolution Packet #2 (DR-2) (Dissolution of Marriage Forms for Spouses Filing Together When There Are No Minor Children).
If you and your spouse have minor children together, you file Dissolution Packet #1 (DR-1). Alaska law requires parents to complete a parent education requirement—you can usually satisfy this requirement by viewing an approved video or completing an online class.
All packets require you to fill out a petition (form) that explains what you're seeking (an end to your marriage) and why (the reason you no longer want to be married). The petition will include basic information about:
- you and your spouse, including your occupations, incomes, property, and debts
- the children you and your spouse have together, and
- your agreements regarding the division of property and debts, spousal support, child custody, and child support.
(Alaska Stat. § 25.24.210 (2026).)
Filing Fees for Uncontested Divorce in Alaska
The filing fee for an Alaska uncontested divorce petition is $250, though it's subject to change. If you can't pay this fee, you can request a fee waiver. Check with your local court if you have questions about the fee waiver process. If you need help with the paperwork, contact the Family Law Self-Help Center.
Attend the Court Hearing
When you file your dissolution petition, the clerk will schedule a hearing date—the date that you'll appear in front of a judge to consider your case—at least 30 days after the day that you filed. Both spouses must attend the hearing. You and your spouse can each bring a lawyer to the hearing, but you’re not required to have one.
At the hearing, a judge will make sure that both you and your spouse understand and agree to everything in the paperwork and that the agreement is fair to both of you. The judge might make amendments to the agreement, but only if you and your spouse both agree.
Receive Your Decree of Dissolution
If the court thinks that your agreement is fair, the judge will issue a Decree of Dissolution granting your divorce. Sometimes you’ll receive the decree at the hearing, but most of the time it’s not entered (made official) until a few days after the hearing.
It’s up to you to carry out any agreements you made in your petition or ordered in the decree. For example, you might have agreed that your spouse would receive the family home as part of the dissolution. If that’s the case, you’ll need to follow through with all the necessary steps (such as transferring title to the property) to ensure that you’re following your agreement.
