How many custody & visitation resources are in Alaska?

Women's Corner tracks 13 verified custody & visitation resources for women in Alaska.

Are custody & visitation resources in Alaska free?

12 of the 13 listed custody & visitation resources in Alaska are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in Alaska have custody & visitation resources?

Listings span cities including Anchorage.

What are some examples of custody & visitation resources in Alaska?

Featured entries include Alaska Court System — Family Law Self-Help, Alaska Legal Services Corporation — Family Law, Alaska Bar Association — Lawyer Referral, Alaska Court-Connected Mediation, Alaska 211 — Family Law Referrals.

Do these listings include phone numbers?

5 of 13 Alaska custody & visitation listings include verified phone numbers.

Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?

No — you can file pro se using forms from your county's Family Court Self-Help Center or Family Law Facilitator at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if your ex is contesting custody, there's a history of abuse, or you need to relocate. Legal aid organizations cover custody cases for income-qualifying mothers.

How does the court decide who gets custody?

Judges apply the 'best interest of the child' standard, weighing each parent's caregiving history, stability, work schedule, the child's bond with each parent, any abuse or substance use, and (for older children) the child's preference. Being the primary caregiver — the parent who handles school, doctor visits, and daily routines — carries significant weight.

What if my ex won't follow the parenting plan?

Document every missed exchange, denied visit, or violation with dates, screenshots, and witnesses, then file a Motion for Contempt or Motion to Enforce with the court that issued your order. Courts can order make-up time, fines, or even change custody for repeated violations. Don't withhold the child in retaliation — that can hurt your case.

Can I get sole custody?

Yes, but courts presume joint custody is best unless you can show the other parent is unfit — documented abuse, untreated addiction, abandonment, or serious mental illness that endangers the child. Bring police reports, medical records, CPS findings, and witness statements. A guardian ad litem may be appointed to investigate.

Best Custody & Visitation in Alaska — 13 verified resources

About Custody & Visitation for Women

Custody and visitation cases for women are handled in state and county family courts under each state's 'best interest of the child' standard. Mothers seeking sole, joint, or primary physical custody can use free self-help centers inside most courthouses to file petitions, parenting plans, and modification requests without an attorney. The ABA Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence and the Women's Law Project track state-by-state custody trends, and organizations like the Battered Mothers Custody Conference advocate where abuse intersects with custody. This directory combines official state court self-help portals, county family law facilitators, women-focused family law firms, and maternal advocacy organizations.

Custody & Visitation in Alaska

Alaska family cases are heard in the Alaska Superior Court under its unified trial court structure. The Child Support Services Division within the Department of Revenue handles enforcement. Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau host the largest court locations. Alaska Legal Services Corporation and the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault provide statewide support for women.

13 Resources

1. Alaska Court System — Family Law Self-Help — Free

The Alaska Court System's self-help center at courts.alaska.gov/shc/family provides downloadable forms for custody petitions, parenting plan templates, child support worksheets, and step-by-step guidance for family law filings. Women can access guides for filing without an attorney. Call 907-264-0851 for assistance locating forms. Available online 24/7. Court staff can help identify correct forms but cannot provide legal advice.

907-264-0851 · Statewide Online Resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

2. Alaska Legal Services Corporation — Family Law — Free

Alaska Legal Services Corporation provides free civil legal help to qualifying low-income women statewide, covering custody disputes, divorce, protective orders, child support, and parenting plan matters. Call 888-478-2572 to apply for services. Bring ID, proof of income, and relevant court documents. Located at 1016 W 6th Ave Suite 200, Anchorage. Services available in remote communities via phone and video. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

888-478-2572 · 1016 W 6th Ave Suite 200, Anchorage, AK 99501 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

3. Alaska Bar Association — Lawyer Referral

The Alaska Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service connects women with family law attorneys for consultations on custody, divorce, and child support. Call 907-272-7469 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to request a referral. Initial consultations are available at reduced rates through the referral service. Attorneys are screened for experience. Located at 840 K St Suite 100, Anchorage. Have a brief case description ready when you call.

907-272-7469 · 840 K St Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99501 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Alaska Court-Connected Mediation — Free

The Alaska Court System offers court-connected mediation for resolving custody, parenting plan, and family law disputes without full litigation. Mediation is typically faster and less expensive than trial. Call 907-264-0851 to learn about mediation options in your case. Mediators are trained neutrals who help parties reach voluntary agreements. Available statewide. Fees may be waived for qualifying low-income women.

907-264-0851 · Statewide Service · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Alaska 211 — Family Law Referrals — Free

Dial 211 or visit alaska211.org to reach a free statewide referral service connecting women with family law resources, legal aid organizations, social services, and emergency assistance. Specialists are available 24/7 to provide information and referrals tailored to your specific community and situation. Particularly helpful for women in rural Alaska areas where in-person services are limited. No cost to call.

211 · Statewide Service · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. WomensLaw.org — Custody Information — Free

WomensLaw.org provides free, attorney-written custody and visitation guides for every state, written in plain language women can understand without legal training. Covers legal vs. physical custody, how courts decide custody, modifying existing orders, and interstate custody disputes. Also includes safety planning for women leaving abusive situations. Available online 24/7 at no cost.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

7. ABA Family Law Section — Find a Lawyer — Free

The American Bar Association Family Law Section offers a national attorney directory, public resources on custody and divorce, and practitioner guides. Use the Find a Lawyer tool at americanbar.org to search for family law attorneys in your area. Resources cover relocation disputes, international custody, grandparent rights, and domestic violence protections. Free to search online 24/7.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

8. Federal Office of Child Support Services — Free

The federal Office of Child Support Services coordinates all state child support programs and custody enforcement nationwide. Visit acf.hhs.gov/css to find your state agency, learn how to open a case, request enforcement of existing orders, or locate an absent parent. Free services include paternity establishment, income withholding, and license suspension for non-paying parents.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

9. USA.gov — Child Custody and Support — Free

USA.gov is the official federal government portal providing custody and child support information with direct links to every state enforcement agency. Covers establishing paternity, getting a support order, modifying orders, and what to do when the other parent does not pay. Available in English and Spanish. Free to use online 24/7 at usa.gov/child-support.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

10. ChildWelfare.gov — Custody Resources — Free

ChildWelfare.gov is the federal child welfare information gateway offering research-based resources on custody, kinship care arrangements, foster care, and parenting plans. Find state-specific resources, best-practice parenting guides, and information on child abuse prevention. Particularly useful for grandmothers seeking custody of grandchildren. Free online resource available 24/7.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. National Council of Juvenile & Family Court Judges — Free

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges publishes research-based resources on custody best practices, domestic violence in family courts, and child safety. Their publications help women understand how judges evaluate custody cases and what factors influence decisions. Particularly useful for survivors navigating custody against an abusive co-parent. Free online access at ncjfcj.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. Cornell Legal Information Institute — Family Law — Free

Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute provides free online access to federal and state statutes, case law, and legal definitions covering custody, visitation, divorce, and family law. Women can research legal terms, understand statutory standards, and access court opinions at no cost. Available 24/7 at law.cornell.edu. No login required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. FindLaw — Child Custody — Free

FindLaw offers free public articles on child custody arrangements, including sole vs. joint custody, how to modify existing orders, relocation rights, and enforcement when a parent violates orders. Written by legal editors, these guides help women prepare for consultations with attorneys. Visit family.findlaw.com/child-custody.html. No cost to access online 24/7.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many custody & visitation resources are in Alaska?: Women's Corner tracks 13 verified custody & visitation resources for women in Alaska.
Are custody & visitation resources in Alaska free?: 12 of the 13 listed custody & visitation resources in Alaska are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Alaska have custody & visitation resources?: Listings span cities including Anchorage.
What are some examples of custody & visitation resources in Alaska?: Featured entries include Alaska Court System — Family Law Self-Help, Alaska Legal Services Corporation — Family Law, Alaska Bar Association — Lawyer Referral, Alaska Court-Connected Mediation, Alaska 211 — Family Law Referrals.
Do these listings include phone numbers?: 5 of 13 Alaska custody & visitation listings include verified phone numbers.
Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?: No — you can file pro se using forms from your county's Family Court Self-Help Center or Family Law Facilitator at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if your ex is contesting custody, there's a history of abuse, or you need to relocate. Legal aid organizations cover custody cases for income-qualifying mothers.
How does the court decide who gets custody?: Judges apply the 'best interest of the child' standard, weighing each parent's caregiving history, stability, work schedule, the child's bond with each parent, any abuse or substance use, and (for older children) the child's preference. Being the primary caregiver — the parent who handles school, doctor visits, and daily routines — carries significant weight.
What if my ex won't follow the parenting plan?: Document every missed exchange, denied visit, or violation with dates, screenshots, and witnesses, then file a Motion for Contempt or Motion to Enforce with the court that issued your order. Courts can order make-up time, fines, or even change custody for repeated violations. Don't withhold the child in retaliation — that can hurt your case.
Can I get sole custody?: Yes, but courts presume joint custody is best unless you can show the other parent is unfit — documented abuse, untreated addiction, abandonment, or serious mental illness that endangers the child. Bring police reports, medical records, CPS findings, and witness statements. A guardian ad litem may be appointed to investigate.