An Alaska child support order is a legal directive that establishes financial support obligations for children. These orders ensure children receive their support through Alaska's Child Support Services Division, which works to collect and disburse child support payments.
What is a Child Support Order
This child support order creates a legal obligation for parents to provide financial support for their children. Alaska child support orders can be established through administrative processes by CSED or through court proceedings. The Child Support Enforcement Division operates with a vision statement focused on cooperation and collaboration using innovation to drive our success with the communities, partners, and families we serve.
Types of Orders
There are 2 main type of child support orders in Alaska:
Administrative Orders
CSED establishes administrative orders when parents apply for services. These orders follow Civil Rule 90.3 guidelines and provide an efficient method to establish support obligations.
Court Orders
Alaska Superior Court issues court orders during divorce, custody, or paternity proceedings. Court orders may include additional provisions beyond basic child support calculations.
Establishing an Order
Parents can request CSED establish an alaska child support order by completing an application for services. CSED will locate the noncustodial parent, determine income, and calculate the support obligation. Court-ordered child support occurs during family law proceedings where the court applies Civil Rule 90.3 guidelines.
Order Components
An alaska child support order includes monthly support payments, medical support provisions, and income withholding instructions. Orders specify the amount the paying parent must provide based on their adjusted annual income and number of children.
Support Calculation Rates
Number of Children | Percentage of Income | Example: $50,000 Annual Income |
1 child | 20% | $833 per month |
2 children | 27% | $1,125 per month |
3 children | 33% | $1,375 per month |
4+ children | +3% per additional child | Varies |
Child Support Enforcement
Child support enforcement ensures custodial parents receive court-ordered payments. CSED maintains enforcement capabilities including wage withholding, bank account and credit reporting, and license suspension.
Income Withholding
Income withholding is the primary enforcement method. Employers receive withholding orders requiring them to deduct support amounts from paychecks and send payments to CSED.
Other Enforcement Methods
CSED can pursue bank account garnishment, property liens, and license suspension for parents who fail to comply with child support orders.
Modifying Orders
Alaska’s child support orders can be modified when circumstances change significantly. CSED can modify administrative orders while court orders require judicial modification.
Alaska presumes material change exists when new calculations would differ by 15% or more from the current order. Changes in income, custody arrangements, or children's needs may qualify for modification.
Payment and Distribution
CSED operates a centralized system to collect and disburse child support payments. The agency provides online account access through the Alaska Child Support Services Portal with convenient payment options.
Parents can make payments through automatic wage withholding, online payments via bank account and credit card options, or electronic funds transfer. CSED distributes payments to custodial parents through direct deposit or prepaid debit cards.
Required Documentation for Alaska’s Child Support Order
Administrative Order:
- Required Forms: CSED Application
- Documentation Needed: Income verification, employment records
Court Order:
- Required Forms: Petition and Financial Affidavit
- Documentation Needed: Tax returns, pay stubs
Modification:
- Required Forms: Modification Application
- Documentation Needed: Updated financial records
Interstate Enforcement
Alaska participates in interstate child support enforcement, allowing enforcement of alaska child support orders in other states. CSED coordinates with other agencies to ensure children receive their support regardless of geographic separation.
Resources and Support
CSED provides support through cooperation and collaboration with communities, partners, and families we serve. The agency maintains customer service hours from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.
The Alaska Child Support Services Portal provides online access to case information, payment history, and account management. CSED caseworkers offer assistance with establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders.
System Updates
CSED is implementing a new case management system by 2025 to enhance service delivery with improved online features and streamlined communication.
An alaska child support order ensures children receive consistent financial support from both parents through Alaska's comprehensive child support system that strive to ensure children receive the support they need.