Alaska Child Support Calculator

How Alaska Calculates Child Support

Alaska determines child support using the Percentage of Income Model, the standard set out in AS § 25.27.025 / Alaska Civil Rule 90.3. Under this model, support is based primarily on the paying parent's income: a set percentage (which usually rises with the number of children) is applied to that parent's income to produce the obligation.

The calculator above applies that formula to the income and expense figures you enter and shows each step of the math, so you can see exactly how the estimate is built. Because every order ultimately runs through a judge, the guideline figure is a starting point rather than a guaranteed result — the sections below explain what goes into it and where real orders can differ.

Key Rules Behind the Alaska Formula

• 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.

What Counts as Income

Child support guidelines are built on each parent's income, so the figure you enter matters more than any other input. Most states start from a broad definition of gross income that includes wages, salary, tips, commissions, bonuses, self-employment earnings, and many forms of government benefits, then subtract specific deductions to reach the income the formula actually uses.

Alaska's rules under AS § 25.27.025 / Alaska Civil Rule 90.3 spell out which deductions apply and whether the formula runs on gross or net income. The calculator's field labels tell you which figure to enter; when in doubt, use your most recent pay stubs and tax return, and confirm the details in the Alaska child support laws guide.

How to Establish a Child Support Order in Alaska

A child support obligation becomes enforceable only once a court or the state child support agency issues an order. Either parent can request one, and in Alaska, as in every state, the local child support agency that operates under the federal Title IV-D program can open a case, locate the other parent, establish paternity if needed, and ask the court to set support using the guideline formula.

When you apply, expect to provide proof of income for both parents, the child's information, and details about health insurance and childcare costs — the same inputs this calculator uses. Running your numbers here first gives you a realistic idea of the order amount before you file.