Family law can be an especially emotional and contentious area of the law. Family members who have difficult relationships find clashes can be wrenching and exhausting. At Kalamarides & Lambert, we help our clients through the legal process and are supportive during the painful experience they may be undergoing.

Divorce Law in Alaska

Divorce is the ending of a marriage by court order. It also refers to a contested situation. To file for divorce in the State of Alaska, a person must be a resident of the state. Alaska is a no fault state.

Dissolution is a situation in which both parties agree to end the marriage. The term dissolution means that in order to divorce, both parties must agree to all terms of the divorce, including:

• Division of property
• Debt
• Custody and visitation or a parenting plan

Child Custody and Support

This may be the most emotionally difficult part of divorce, not only for the parents but also for the children. Our Alaska family law attorneys recognize the anguish clients may be going through. As a result, we are very supportive of our clients and are firm with the opposing party.

Custody defines the rights and responsibilities between the parents for their child or children.

A custody and visitation plan will do the following (among others):

• Describe the ways in which a parent will be involved in a child's life
• Acknowledges that different aged children have different needs
• Acknowledges that the plan will change if one or both parents relocate

In Alaska, it is assumed that the parents will share custody of the child after a divorce. Alaska statutes prohibit the preference of one parent over the other, and custody determinations are generally based on the best interests of the child.

Legal custody defines the rights and obligations of the parents to make major life decisions for a child or children. In cases of joint legal custody, the parents share these rights and responsibilities. Sole legal custody appoints one parent to make final decisions regarding these situations for the child if there is disagreement.

Child support defines the financial responsibilities that both parents have to the children. Civil Rule 90.3 in Alaska states how the support must be determined. The state agency involved in this process is the Child Support Services Agency.

How a Family Lawyer Can Help

A family lawyer can represent one of the partners in the settlement of differences regarding division of property, debt, and custodial and visitation matters relating to the children. At Kalamarides & Lambert, our Alaska family law lawyers recognize family matters can be emotional and difficult for everyone involved. As a result, work tirelessly to obtain a fair and agreeable resolution of such differences in a timely manner.

Contact an Alaska Family Law Attorney

For expert help in legal matters of divorce and custody, contact an Alaska family law attorney today. Call (907) 276-2135 or send us an email to schedule an evaluation of your case.