Getting a divorce in Anchorage
Dissolution of marriage is the simplest way to legal end the relationship
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Please see our three-part installment for a state overview of divorce and dissolution of marriage:
Attorney can prevent trouble you can’t yet imagine
As discussed in the series, an attorney can help not only with the legal aspects of ending a marriage but also with referrals to professional counseling and with filing court orders and seeking shelter if domestic violence is part of the equation. Many people find counseling helpful, even when both parties agree the relationship has run its course.
Addressing domestic violence
Family experts and legal authorities agree that any domestic violence should be addressed immediately. Part 1 provides state-level resources to help with domestic violence. Residents of the combined municipality/borough of Anchorage have several agencies and facilities to help with domestic violence, including the following online resources:
- Anchorage Police Department;
- Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis;
- Alaska Court System, Family Law & Domestic Violence;
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence–
- “Anchorage Domestic Violence Prevention Project II: Summary of Findings” (a .pdf document for background info, not immediate help).
Venue for filing
As most resident are aware, Alaska comprises boroughs rather than counties, or parishes in Louisiana’s case. There are no separate municipal courts, although the borough of Anchorage does have the Anchorage Superior Court, a division of the Superior Court, Third Judicial District.
Forms that can be used include:
- Dissolution of Marriage, joint petition, with minor children (Anchorage only);
- Dissolution of Marriage, joint petition, without minor children;
- Dissolution of marriage when other spouse can not be located;
- Divorce with children and property;
- Divorce with property but no children.
Self-Help Classes
The court’s Self-Help Center also offers free classes, in conjunction with Alaska Legal Service Corporation, which also provides legal help dependent on a family-size to income ration. Classes are as follows:
Starting a Divorce or Custody Case – Anchorage
- How to File for Divorce: 2nd Wednesday of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- How to File for Custody: 3rd Wednesday of the month from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
These classes are sponsored by Alaska Legal Services Corporation, and held at the Fairview Recreation Center, 1121 E. 10th Avenue (10th & Karluk).
Starting a Divorce or Dissolution Case Clinic – Anchorage
- 1 evening a month from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm; see Alaska Native Justice Center’s website for the clinic schedule.
- Starting a Custody Case Clinic – Anchorage
- 1 evening a month from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm; see Alaska Native Justice Center’s website for the clinic schedule.
These clinics are offered by Alaska Native Justice Center and are held at Rasmuson Conference Center, 1st floor – 3600 San Jeronimo Drive. Call 907-793-3550 to register.
Family Law Education Class – Anchorage
This class is for people who are representing themselves in divorce and custody cases. The class will:
- Provide an overview of these cases
- Explain court procedure and provide forms on motions and oppositions, property division, custody, visitation and child support, hearings and trials, final papers
- Be helpful if you no longer have an attorney and are representing yourself
For January – Aprilv 1, the classes are at the Boney Courthouse, 303 K St., Courtroom 47 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The April 15 class will be held in Courtroom 37. Class location for May – December will be posted at a later date. CLASS BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 1:00 p.m. (See Web page for full schedule.)
Free evaluation
No matter your marital situation, we can help. If you’re ready to begin the search for a compatible, well trained, experienced divorce attorney, you can start with our free case evaluation. If you need more information, please browse our site, using the tabs at the top of the page.
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