How Alaska Calculates Child Support

Alaska uses the Percentage of Income Model to determine child support obligations. The guidelines are established under AS § 25.27.025 / Alaska Civil Rule 90.3.

Key Facts About Alaska Child Support

• Alaska uses Civil Rule 90.3, a Percentage of Income model applied exclusively to the obligor's adjusted annual income. The custodial parent's income does not affect the primary custody child support obligation.
• Primary custody percentages under Rule 90.3(a)(1): 20% for 1 child, 27% for 2, 33% for 3, 36% for 4, 39% for 5, 42% for 6 or more children.
• "Adjusted annual income" is gross income minus federal and state income taxes, Social Security and Medicare (FICA), mandatory union dues, mandatory retirement contributions, and voluntary retirement contributions up to 7.5% of total income.
• The income cap is $138,000/year ($11,500/month), effective October 16, 2023. For income above the cap, the court has discretion to apply the guideline percentage or a lower percentage to the excess. (The previous cap was $126,000/year.)
• A low-income adjustment applies when the obligor's total income is $30,000 or less: adjusted income = total income minus $7,500 (or actual mandatory deductions if greater). This was added effective October 16, 2023.
• Add-on expenses — health insurance premiums for the children and work-related childcare costs — are computed separately and added to the basic obligation, divided proportionally between parents. They are NOT deducted from the obligor's income.
• Shared custody under Rule 90.3(b) uses a different formula that considers both parents' incomes when the obligor has 110 or more overnights per year (approximately 30% of the time). This calculator computes primary custody only.
• Courts may deviate from the guideline amount only upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence that the amount would be manifestly unjust.

Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates only and is not a substitute for legal advice. The actual amount ordered by a Alaska court may differ based on factors including but not limited to: special needs of the child, travel expenses for visitation, extraordinary educational expenses, and the court's discretion to deviate from the guidelines.