Obtaining Alaska divorce records is an important process for individuals who need legal proof of a marriage dissolution or require official documentation for personal, financial, or legal matters. The State of Alaska maintains strict guidelines regarding the access, storage, and distribution of divorce records to protect the privacy of the parties involved while ensuring transparency after a specified period.
Are Divorce Records Public in Alaska?
Under Alaska law, divorce records are classified as vital records. These records are confidential for the first 50 yearsfollowing the finalization of the divorce. During this period, only authorized individuals may request copies of these documents. Authorized parties include:
- The individuals named in the divorce record
- Immediate family members of the parties involved
- Legal representatives acting on behalf of either party
Once the 50-year confidentiality period expires, the divorce records become public records and may be accessed by any member of the public in accordance with Alaska Statutes § 18.50.310.
Types of Divorce Records in Alaska
There are three primary types of Alaska divorce records, each serving different legal and personal purposes:
1. Divorce Certificate
A divorce certificate provides verification that a legal divorce occurred. It includes basic information such as:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of the divorce
- Location where the divorce was granted
The Alaska Bureau of Vital Statistics, part of the Department of Health, maintains divorce certificates for records dating back to 1950. These documents are commonly used for administrative matters such as updating Social Security information, changing legal names, or proving marital status.
2. Divorce Decree
A divorce decree is the court’s official order that finalizes a divorce. It contains detailed information regarding:
- Division of property and assets
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Spousal support orders
- Other court-ordered directives
Divorce decrees are issued by the Alaska Superior Court where the divorce case was heard. Individuals often need a certified copy of the decree to enforce court orders or to resolve post-divorce legal issues.
3. Divorce Case File
A divorce case file includes the complete court record of the divorce proceedings. It contains:
- Petitions and pleadings
- Court motions
- Evidence submitted to the court
- Final judgments and orders
These records are retained by the Clerk of the Superior Court in the jurisdiction where the divorce was filed. Access is typically limited to the parties involved and their attorneys unless the case is older than 50 years or the court grants special permission.
How to Obtain Alaska Divorce Records
Requesting a Divorce Certificate
To request a divorce certificate, individuals must complete the official Divorce Certificate Request Form available from the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. The following guidelines apply:
- Fee: $30 for the first copy requested; $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Payment Methods: Personal check or money order payable to the Alaska Vital Records Office
- Identification: A government-issued photo ID is required, such as a driver’s license, passport, military ID, or state ID card
Submit the completed form, copy of ID, and payment to:
Alaska Department of Health and Social ServicesBureau of Vital StatisticsP.O. Box 110675Juneau, AK 99811-0675
Alternatively, the request can be faxed to (907) 465-3618, or submitted in person at the Vital Records offices in Anchorage or Juneau.
Requesting a Divorce Decree or Case File
To obtain a divorce decree or the full case file, contact the Superior Court where the divorce was granted. Each court location may use specific request forms, but general guidelines include:
- Fees:
- $5 for the first copy requested
- $3 for each additional copy requested at the same time
- Certified copies cost $10 for the first and $3 for each additional certified copy
- Submission Options: In person, by mail, or by fax to the appropriate Superior Court
- Payment: Check or money order payable to the relevant court
Request forms and instructions are available on the Alaska Court System website or directly from the Clerk of the Superior Court.
Online Access and Third-Party Services
While Alaska divorce records are not fully available online due to privacy protections, certain resources are accessible digitally:
- The Alaska Court System Case Search Portal allows users to locate basic case information and verify case status.
- The Vital Records Office provides downloadable forms for requesting divorce certificates but does not process orders online.
- Third-party providers, such as VitalChek, facilitate online ordering of certified copies, although additional fees may apply, and availability may vary.
Sealing Divorce Records in Alaska
By default, Alaska divorce records are private for 50 years. However, in some cases, a party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file permanently. This request must demonstrate that:
- The privacy interests of the parties outweigh the public interest in disclosure
- There is a potential threat of harm, safety concerns, or sensitive financial information involved
A judge will review the request and determine whether sealing the records is appropriate.
Important Considerations
- Requests for Alaska divorce records must comply with state regulations regarding privacy, access, and authentication.
- Proper documentation and fees are required for all requests.
- Certified copies of divorce records are often necessary for legal and financial purposes.
For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance, individuals are advised to consult the Alaska Court System or the Bureau of Vital Statistics before submitting a request.