Alaska Divorce Certificate

laska’s divorce certificate is an official document that serves as legal proof that a marriage has been legally terminated in the state of alaska. These vital records are maintained by the alaska department of health and provide essential documentation for various legal and personal purposes.

Divorce Certificate vs Divorce Decree

A divorce certificate is different from a divorce decree. While a divorce decree contains detailed information about property division, child custody, and support arrangements, an alaska divorce certificate provides basic information confirming that a divorce occurred. This document is part of the vital records system that includes births deaths marriage and divorce records.

The Alaska department of health, through its Bureau of Vital Statistics, maintains official divorce certificates for divorces that occurred in Alaska since 1950. These divorce records serve as legal documentation that can be used for various purposes including remarriage, insurance claims, and legal proceedings.

Who Can Request an Alaska Divorce Certificate

Access to Alaska divorce certificates is restricted for the first 50 years following the divorce. During this period, only authorized individuals can obtain these divorce records:

• The divorced parties named on the certificate
• Children of the divorced parties
• Parents, grandparents, or siblings of the divorced parties
• Legal representatives with proper authorization
• Court-appointed guardians

After 50 years, alaska divorce certificates become public records and can be accessed by anyone.

How to Obtain an Alaska Divorce Certificate

The Alaska department of health provides several methods for requesting divorce certificates through the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Required Information

When requesting an alaska divorce certificate, you must provide:

• Full names of both parties at the time of divorce
• Date of divorce (month, day, and year)
• County where divorce was granted
• Your relationship to the parties named on the record
• Purpose for which the certificate will be used

Application Methods

Online Ordering The alaska department of health offers online ordering through approved vendors for expedited service.

By Mail Send completed application form, acceptable identification copy, and payment to: Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Bureau of Vital Statistics P.O. Box 110675 Juneau, AK 99811-0675

In Person Visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics offices in Anchorage or Juneau during regular business hours.

By Fax Fax completed forms and identification to (907) 465-3618.

Fees and Payment

Payment methods accepted include:

• Money orders payable to "Alaska Vital Records Office"
• Personal checks
• Credit cards (online orders only)

Required Identification

All requests for alaska divorce certificates must include acceptable identification:

• Driver's license
• State-issued ID card
• Passport
• Military ID
• Tribal or BIA card

Processing Times

Standard processing times for alaska divorce certificates:

• Mail requests: 2-4 weeks
• In-person requests: Same day (if record is found)
• Online expedited service: 3-5 business days
• Fax requests: 1-2 weeks

Difference Between Divorce Records Types

Alaska maintains three types of divorce records:

Divorce Certificates

Basic document showing that a divorce occurred, maintained by the alaska department of health's Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Divorce Decrees

Detailed court orders containing specific terms of the divorce, maintained by the Superior Court where the divorce was granted.

Divorce Case Files

Complete court records of the entire divorce proceeding, also maintained by the Superior Court.

Historical Records

The Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains divorce certificates dating back to 1950. For divorces that occurred before 1950, records may be available through:

• The Superior Court where the divorce was granted
• Alaska State Archives
• Local historical societies

Some earlier records exist for certain municipalities beginning in 1913, though coverage varies by location.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Alaska treats divorce records as confidential vital records for 50 years after the divorce date. This means:

• Records are not available for public viewing during this period
• Only authorized persons can obtain copies
• Strict identification requirements apply
• Purpose for requesting must be legitimate

After 50 years, these records become part of the public domain and can be accessed by anyone.

Corrections and Amendments

If you find errors on an alaska divorce certificate, the alaska department of health can make corrections if:

• The error was made by the vital records office
• You provide acceptable documentation supporting the correction
• The change doesn't alter the fundamental facts of the divorce

For substantive changes, you may need to work with the court that granted the divorce rather than the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Out-of-State Divorces

If you were divorced outside Alaska, you cannot obtain your divorce certificate from the alaska department of health. You must contact:

• The vital records office in the state where the divorce occurred
• The court that granted the divorce
• Authorized online vendors for that state

Alaska only maintains records for divorces that occurred within the state of alaska.

Expedited Services

For urgent needs, several options provide faster service:

• Approved online vendors offer expedited processing
• In-person visits to Bureau of Vital Statistics offices
• Express mail options for mailed requests
• Fax submission for faster initial processing

Expedited services typically cost more than standard processing but can provide certificates within days rather than weeks.

Alternative Documentation

If you cannot obtain an alaska divorce certificate, alternative documentation might include:

• Certified copy of divorce decree from the court
• Court clerk's certificate of divorce
• Notarized copy of divorce papers

However, these alternatives may not be accepted for all purposes, so check requirements with the requesting organization.

Contact Information

For questions about alaska divorce certificates or the application process:

Alaska Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics Phone: (907) 465-3391 Email: hss.vitalrecords@alaska.gov

Office Locations:

• Anchorage: Robert B. Atwood Building
• Juneau: Department of Health and Social Services Building

Legal Considerations

Alaska divorce certificates are legal documents that:

• Provide official proof of divorce for legal proceedings
• Are required for many administrative processes
• Must be certified copies for most official purposes
• Cannot be altered or modified after issuance

When requesting an alaska divorce certificate, ensure you understand how the document will be used and whether a certified copy is specifically required.

The Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains these vital records as part of Alaska's comprehensive system for documenting births deaths marriage and divorce events, ensuring accurate record-keeping and appropriate access to these important documents while protecting individual privacy during the confidential period.

Obtaining your alaska divorce certificate requires following proper procedures and providing appropriate documentation, but the process is straightforward when you understand the requirements and have the necessary information and identification ready.