Standard Parenting Time Schedules and Court Guidelines in Alaska

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Alaska has no statewide standard schedule in its custody statutes or Rule 90.3. Courts set the schedule in each order, and for child support shared custody means 30% to 70% of the year, specified in writing.

Does Alaska have a standard parenting time schedule for custody?

We found no statewide standard schedule in the Alaska custody statutes or in Civil Rule 90.3. The statutes give the court power to make the orders for custody and visitation that seem necessary or proper, during the case or at any time during the child’s minority (AS 25.24.150(a)), and require a shared custody award to assure frequent and continuing contact with each parent to the maximum extent possible (25.20.060(c)). The schedule itself is set in your own order or agreement.

What is the 30% to 70% line?

It is a child support definition, not a custody schedule. A parent has shared physical custody for support purposes if the children reside with that parent for a period specified in writing in the custody order of at least 30, but no more than 70, percent of the year, regardless of legal custody; under 30% is primary custody for the other parent (Civil Rule 90.3(f)).

Pattern (other parent)	Overnights a year	Share of the year	In the 30% to 70% range
3 of 14 nights	78	21.4%	No
4 of 14 nights	104	28.5%	No
5 of 14 nights	130	35.6%	Yes
7 of 14 nights	183	50.1%	Yes
9 of 14 nights	235	64.4%	Yes
10 of 14 nights	261	71.5%	No

These are our counts of a repeating 14-day pattern before any extra summer or holiday nights.

How is Alaska child support calculated when custody is shared?

The court calculates what each parent would pay the other as if the other had primary custody, multiplies each amount by the percentage of time the other parent has the children, and the parent with the larger figure pays the difference multiplied by 1.5, capped at the primary-custody amount; if the percentages do not reflect actual spending, the court may vary them (Civil Rule 90.3(b)(1)). The Alaska child support calculator applies the formula.

What if a parent has the children for 30 days or more at a time?

If shared custody rests on the obligor having physical custody for periods of 30 consecutive days or more, the annual award may be paid in equal installments over the months in which that parent does not have physical custody (Rule 90.3(b)(1)(D)(i)).

What if a parent does not use the time?

A shared custody support order must state that failure to exercise sufficient physical custody to qualify for shared custody is grounds for modification, and denial of visitation by the custodial parent is not cause to increase child support (Rule 90.3(b)(1)(E)). Enter the nights actually used in the Alaska parenting time calculator to compare.

How is a schedule decided while the case is pending?

The child has, to the greatest degree practical, equal access to both parents while the court considers custody, unless that would be detrimental or the domestic violence presumption applies (25.20.070). The court may order mediation within 30 days after a custody petition (25.20.080).

What should a written schedule cover?

The regular pattern, with exchange days, times and places.
Holidays, school breaks and summer, and how they replace the regular pattern.
The overnight count, so the order can state the percentage used for support.
Travel, with the court allocating reasonable travel costs for visitation (Rule 90.3(g)).
How changes are agreed and put in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a statewide standard parenting schedule in Alaska?

We found none in the custody statutes or Rule 90.3; the schedule is set in your order or agreement.

What percentage is shared custody in Alaska?

At least 30% and no more than 70% of the year, specified in writing in the custody order.

How many overnights is 30% of the year in Alaska?

About 110 overnights; 70% is about 255.

Does a 5-in-14 schedule qualify as shared custody in Alaska?

Five overnights in 14 is about 130 a year, 35.6%, inside the 30% to 70% range if the order says so.

How is Alaska shared custody child support paid?

In 12 equal installments, or over the months without custody if the parent has the children 30 consecutive days or more.

Official sources

Going through a divorce or custody case in Alaska?

A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.

Talk to an Alaska attorney

This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Alaska statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Alaska attorney.