Divorce is always difficult, especially when you and your spouse have children. If the father of your children is in the armed services, know that the military considers child support a service member's duty. Officers can dole out punishments to those in their command...
Anchorage Family Law Blog
Why your child’s consent matters in stepparent adoption
When you marry someone with a child, you do not just make a commitment to your spouse; you also accept the child as part of your family. In many families, the stepparent's role is no different from that of a biological parent, which is why stepparents often choose to...
How adoption works in Alaska
Adoption creates a long-term relationship between the adoptive parents and a child. This process will make the adoptive parents legally responsible for all decisions related to the child. A child is eligible for adoption if no biological parent has parental rights due...
Benefits of mediation instead of typical divorce
People typically turn to litigated divorce when they decide to separate from their spouse and end their marriage. Mediation is an alternative solution that may work better for your situation and help to preserve an amicable relationship with your ex. There are several...
3 myths about same-sex divorce in Alaska
Experiencing a divorce comes with a great deal of stress and uncertainty. Same-sex couples who decide to split likely feel even greater uncertainty if they do not understand where their situation stands in the eyes of the law. In general, any couple moving forward...
Tips for co-parenting with your ex
Going into the divorce process, one of your biggest concerns was likely how ending your marriage would affect your children. Although divorce can affect your children, it is something that happens to many families every year. According to the Centers for Disease...
Limitations and difficulties with QDROs
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a way for courts to divide retirement benefits in a divorce. The beneficiary, or alternate payee, is typically the ex-spouse. However, retirement plans can also pay a child or other dependent. Splitting marital property...
Your military divorce may affect your eligibility for benefits
If you are facing divorce, you probably wonder how much of your military spouse’s retired pay you stand to receive. However, another question concerns the military benefits you enjoyed during your marriage. How will the divorce affect your eligibility for those...
How Alaskan courts consider child preference in custody cases
Parents with an upcoming custody hearing may be extremely concerned about how the judge will factor in the children's preferences. Though this is a valid worry, courts in Alaska do take some children's desires into consideration when ruling on custody arrangements. Is...
3 signs your soon-to-be ex-spouse wants a friendlier divorce
You undoubtedly have heard some divorce horror stories from your friends, coworkers or relatives. While it is true some marriages end in bitter and protracted court battles, many couples pursue friendlier divorces. That is, rather than going through a long court...