How Long Does Divorce Take in Alaska?

Considering divorce in Alaska? Here's great news: Alaska has NO minimum residency duration requirement. Unlike most states that require you to live there for months before filing, Alaska only requires that you be a resident when you file with the intent to remain. This makes Alaska one of the most accessible states for filing divorce, especially for military families and recent relocators. Start by reviewing our comprehensive Alaska divorce filing checklist to ensure you have all required documents ready.

However, Alaska does impose a 30-day minimum waiting period from filing to finalization, even in completely uncontested cases. Understanding these timelines—and the differences between Alaska's divorce and dissolution pathways—helps you plan realistically and avoid unnecessary delays.

Quick Answer: Alaska Divorce Timeline

• Minimum Waiting Period: 30 days (mandatory for all cases)
• Uncontested Dissolution (Joint Filing): 45-90 days total
• Uncontested Divorce: 60-120 days
• Contested Divorce: 6-15 months or longer

Key Requirements:

• Residency: No duration requirement—just be a resident when you file
• Filing Fee: $250 (effective May 1, 2023)
• Filing Court: Alaska Superior Court
• Grounds: No-fault ("incompatibility of temperament") or fault-based

The timeline depends heavily on whether you and your spouse agree on all issues, court calendar availability, and case complexity.

Alaska's Unique Divorce Features

No Minimum Residency Duration

Alaska stands out from nearly every other state: there's no 90-day, 6-month, or 1-year residency requirement. You simply must be an Alaska resident (physically present with intent to remain) when you file. Military members stationed in Alaska for 30+ days are automatically considered residents for divorce filing purposes.

Two Legal Pathways

Alaska offers two distinct ways to end a marriage:

1. Dissolution of Marriage: Alaska's streamlined no-fault option. If both spouses agree on every issue (custody, support, property division), they file a joint petition. A short hearing is required at least 30 days after filing. This is the fastest option.
2. Divorce: The traditional route where one spouse files a complaint. Can be contested (disputes over custody/property) or uncontested (defendant doesn't contest or parties settle). More procedural steps but allows for fault-based grounds if desired.

30-Day Mandatory Waiting Period

No Alaska divorce or dissolution can be finalized within 30 days of filing—even if both parties agree on everything. This "cooling-off" period is absolute. Courts typically schedule dissolution hearings 45-60 days out to account for this requirement.

Uncontested Timeline Breakdown

Joint Dissolution (Fastest Option): 45-90 Days

Days 1-30: File joint petition with complete settlement agreement covering custody, support, and property division. Pay $250 filing fee. Court schedules hearing (not sooner than 30 days out).

Days 30-45: Complete any required parenting education classes (if children are involved—requirements vary by location).

Days 45-90: Attend dissolution hearing. Judge reviews agreement for fairness, ensures both parties understand consequences, and signs Decree of Dissolution if statutory requirements are met.

What makes it faster: Complete, detailed settlement agreement; no retirement account divisions requiring QDROs; prompt completion of parenting education.

Contested Timeline Breakdown

Contested Divorce: 6-15 Months

Month 1: One spouse files complaint. Court issues automatic "Domestic Relations Standing Order" restricting removal of children from Alaska, disposal of marital property, and changes to insurance. Defendant served by certified mail or process server.

Days 20-40: Defendant files answer (20 days if served in Alaska; 40 days if served outside U.S.).

Months 2-3: Exchange mandatory financial disclosures within 45 days of answer. File interim-order motions if immediate relief needed (temporary custody, support, exclusive use of home).

Months 3-6: Discovery, mediation attempts. Many courts offer Early Resolution Program (ERP)—free half-day sessions with volunteer lawyers that settle many cases.

Months 6-15: If no settlement, case proceeds to trial (formal or "informal trial" option where you speak directly to the judge with relaxed evidence rules). Judge has discretion on timeline based on calendar and case complexity.

What extends the timeline: High-conflict custody disputes, business valuations, retirement account divisions requiring QDROs, domestic violence allegations requiring supervised visitation arrangements.

Filing Fees and Costs

As of May 1, 2023, Alaska divorce/dissolution filing fees are:

• Initial filing fee: $250
• Motion to modify (post-decree): $75 (unless joint/stipulated)
• Fee waivers available for those who qualify (Request for Exemption form TF-920)

Additional costs:

• Process server: $65-$150 in-state (more for remote areas)
• Parenting education: $15-$50 per parent
• Private mediation: $150-$400/hour (court-sponsored ERP is free)
• Custody evaluation: $2,500-$10,000+ if ordered

Official fee information is available on the Alaska Court System fee page.

Calculate Your Estimated Divorce Costs

Use our free calculator to estimate your total divorce costs based on your specific situation in Alaska, including filing fees, attorney costs, and potential additional expenses.

Tips to Speed Up Your Divorce

Consider Joint Dissolution: If you agree on all issues, joint dissolution is 30-60 days faster than traditional divorce.

Complete Parenting Education Immediately: Don't wait—many courts require completion before entering final orders. Check your local court's specific requirements.

Prepare Financial Disclosures Early: Gather 2 months of pay stubs, 3 years of tax returns, retirement account statements, and asset/debt documentation before filing.

Choose Informal Trial: Both parties and the judge must agree, but informal trials are typically faster, less expensive, and less intimidating than formal trials.

Use Early Resolution Program: If available in your district (Anchorage, Palmer, Juneau, Kenai), ERP settles a high percentage of cases in a single half-day session.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long must I live in Alaska to file for divorce?

There's no minimum duration. You simply need to be an Alaska resident when you file with the intent to remain. Military members stationed in Alaska for 30+ days qualify.

Can I file for divorce immediately after moving to Alaska?

Yes. Alaska's lack of a residency duration requirement means you can file as soon as you establish residency with intent to remain.

What's the difference between divorce and dissolution in Alaska?

Dissolution is a streamlined no-fault process for couples who agree on everything. Divorce is the traditional route that allows for contested issues and fault-based grounds.

Can hearings be conducted remotely?

Yes. Many Alaska courts offer video/phone hearings at the judge's discretion—especially helpful given Alaska's geography and weather challenges.

Plan Your Next Steps

Understanding the Alaska divorce timeline helps you set realistic expectations and choose the right pathway. Whether you're pursuing a 45-day joint dissolution or navigating a year-long contested case, knowing the procedural requirements and court deadlines allows you to move forward confidently. If you're concerned about costs, learn more about strategies to save money on divorce throughout the process.

For detailed procedural guidance, visit the Alaska Court System Family Law Self-Help Center or review frequently asked questions about divorce and dissolution.