Special Considerations For Alaska Service members Getting Divorced

Under the law, active military personnel stationed in Alaska are provided special protections not given to civilians when it comes to divorce and other family law matters, such as child support or alimony.

Under the SCRA, military personnel deployed or on active duty who are served with divorce papers can petition the court to stay or halt the proceedings until they can fully respond.

Other Considerations

Other aspects of family law also affect military servicemembers. Specific rules often pertain to:

• Military pensions
• Medical benefits
• Housing allowances
• Child custody and visitation
• Spousal support requirements or options

(l) Except as provided in AS 25.20.095 and 25.20.110, a court may not consider a parent’s activation to military service and deployment in determining the best interest of the child under (c) of this section. In this subsection, “deployment” has the meaning given in AS 25.20.095.

The laws that apply to military members are complicated. At the Family Law Center For Men, helping military members stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Wainwright and Air Station Kodiak or overseas is a large part of our practice.

Advocating for husbands, fathers, and military members is what we do. Our attorneys have over 55 years of combined legal experience advocating for men who are simply looking for a law firm that will protect their interests and make sure they are treated fairly in the family law arena.

We are that law firm. We have obtained successful outcomes for individuals in similar situations. Let us help – contact us today!

What Protections Does the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Provide to Military Members in Alaska?

The SCRA offers key safeguards for active-duty service members, including the ability to request a stay or postponement of civil proceedings—like divorce, custody, or support cases—if military duties prevent attendance. This prevents default judgments and ensures your voice is heard. As military members lawyers in Anchorage, AK, at Family Law Center for Men, we help service members stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, or elsewhere invoke SCRA protections to pause proceedings, protect against unfair outcomes, and secure fair treatment during deployment or active duty.

How Does Deployment Affect Child Custody Decisions in Alaska?

Under AS 25.24.150(l), Alaska courts may not consider a parent’s activation to military service or deployment as a factor in determining the child’s best interests, with limited exceptions. Deployment cannot be used against you to modify custody or visitation. As military members lawyers in Anchorage, AK, we advocate for fathers and service members to maintain custody and visitation rights, preparing family care plans and ensuring temporary accommodations under AS 25.20.110(e) do not harm your long-term parental role.

Can a Military Member Request a Stay in Alaska Divorce or Custody Proceedings?

Yes, under the SCRA, active-duty members can request a mandatory stay of proceedings (typically 90 days) if military service interferes with participation, with possible extensions. This applies to divorce, child custody, support, and other family matters. Our military members lawyers in Anchorage, AK, assist service members in filing proper motions to invoke SCRA stays, preventing rushed or one-sided decisions while you fulfill your duties.

How Is a Military Pension Divided in Alaska Divorce?

Military pensions are divisible as marital property under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA) and Alaska’s equitable distribution rules in AS 25.24.160. Courts use a coverture fraction to allocate the portion earned during marriage, often requiring a QDRO for enforcement. As military members lawyers in Anchorage, AK, we fight to protect husbands’ and service members’ retirement benefits, minimizing unfair divisions and ensuring accurate calculations that reflect your service and contributions.

What Happens to Child Custody and Visitation During Deployment in Alaska?

Alaska law allows temporary modifications to custody or visitation orders to accommodate deployment under AS 25.20.110(e), but these are not permanent changes. Upon return, prior orders can be reinstated. Courts encourage contact via electronic means and may allow delegation of visitation to family members. Our military members lawyers in Anchorage, AK, help service members develop deployment plans, secure temporary accommodations, and restore full parenting time post-deployment to preserve your bond with your children.

How Does Relocation Due to PCS Affect Child Custody in Alaska?

Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves can trigger relocation issues, but Alaska courts consider military orders and the child’s best interests under AS 25.20.110. Deployment or PCS cannot alone justify modifying custody against you. As military members lawyers in Anchorage, AK, we negotiate flexible parenting plans, address jurisdictional questions, and advocate for arrangements that support your career while maintaining meaningful involvement with your children.

Can Spousal Support Be Awarded Against a Military Member in Alaska?

Spousal support may be considered if property division is insufficient, based on factors in AS 25.24.160(a)(2), but Alaska prefers asset division over ongoing payments. Military pay, allowances, and benefits are factored in carefully. Our military members lawyers in Anchorage, AK, challenge unnecessary or excessive support claims, highlighting your service-related income and the spouse’s potential self-sufficiency to limit financial burdens.

Why Hire a Military Members Lawyer in Anchorage, AK?

Military family law involves unique federal protections (SCRA, USFSPA), Alaska statutes, jurisdictional complexities, and deployment challenges—issues that can disadvantage service members without specialized representation. A dedicated military members lawyer in Anchorage, AK, like those at Family Law Center for Men, understands these laws, serves clients at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Eielson Air Force Base, Fort Wainwright, and overseas, and fights aggressively to protect your parental rights, retirement benefits, and financial future. With over 55 years of combined experience advocating for husbands, fathers, and military members, we deliver reliable, solutions-focused results.

How Can Military Members Protect Their Rights in Alaska Child Support Cases?

Child support follows Civil Rule 90.3, but military income (including allowances) must be accurately calculated. SCRA protections prevent unfair enforcement during deployment. As military members lawyers in Anchorage, AK, we review calculations, apply shared custody offsets when applicable, and ensure support reflects your actual circumstances while safeguarding against excessive obligations.

What Role Does a Family Care Plan Play for Military Fathers in Alaska?

A family care plan is required for single or dual-military parents and outlines child care during deployment or TDY. It can influence custody and visitation planning. Our military members lawyers in Anchorage, AK, assist service members in creating robust plans that demonstrate your commitment to your children’s well-being, support custody arguments, and integrate with court orders to maintain your active role as a father. Contact us for a confidential consultation to protect your rights.

Areas We Serve in Alaska

Anchorage | Juneau | Ketchikan | Palmer | Sitka | Wasilla