Divorce Law in Alaska
How to Find an Alaska Divorce Attorney
When you live in a rugged place like Alaska or go through an earth-shattering experience like divorce, it feels good to have insider tips to give you a leg up. If you’re considering divorce or looking for an Alaska divorce attorney, this article is for you. It’s full of insider tips.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
- Alaska specific divorce law requirements;
- What you need to know about divorce; and
- Whether it’s in your best interest to hire an Alaska divorce lawyer and, if so, how to find one and how to prepare to work with him or her.
Alaska Divorce Law Specifics
-
If your spouse is a resident of Alaska, you can file the divorce papers at any time.
-
You must state divorce grounds when you file the divorce papers; you have the option between filing for a “no-fault” divorce or a “fault divorce”.
-
Alaska uses the terms, “petitioner” or “plaintiff” and “respondent” or “defendant” to describe, first, the spouse who initially filed the divorce papers, and, second, the other spouse.
-
In Alaska, divorce papers are filed in Superior Court.
-
In some cases, alimony is available.
-
In Alaska property distribution will be based upon what’s “equitable” (i.e. fair) and child support will be based upon the Percentage of Income Formula.
What You Need to Know About Divorce – 4 Insider Tips
Even though divorce is extremely common, it’s also extremely stressful. After all, you need to reorient your dreams, your family, your finances, and your life.
If you pull yourself together and follow these insider tips, your stress level will be greatly reduced and you’ll be closer to building the life you want.
-
Insider Tip #1: You can control your legal fees and keep them to a minimum. Follow your attorney’s advice (that’s what you’re paying him or her for).
-
Insider Tip #2: Focus on compromise, collaboration, communication, and cooperation to avoid court interference, keep costs and stress to a minimum, stay in control, and get more of what you want.
-
Insider Tip #3: Work with a therapist, instead of using your children or lawyer as a sounding board. When you feel like throwing rocks at your spouse, go to your therapist.
-
Insider Tip #4: Hire an Alaska divorce lawyer who will work collaboratively with your spouse’s attorney.
Is it in Your Best Interests to Work with an Alaska Divorce Lawyer?
Absolutely; after all, you want the inside track and all the benefits of working with you an experienced divorce attorney, don’t you?
Working with a divorce attorney is like working with a guide on a fishing trip. Sure, you can try to make a go of it on your own, but you may get lost in the legal wilderness or eaten by a bear.
How to Find and Select an Alaska Divorce Attorney
It’s simple and fast to find a number of divorce attorneys. Type “How to Find a Alaska Divorce Attorney” into Google or your favorite search engine.
Then, the selection process begins. Narrow down your results by selecting those who focus their legal practice on divorce law or family law.
Choose a few attorneys and ask questions. Then, eliminate those who appear “shark-like” and will antagonize you and your spouse. Always ask whatever questions you have about collaboration, fees, process, what to expect, communications, and timing.
How to Prepare to Work with Your Divorce Attorney
Here is a checklist that will help you to prepare to work with your divorce attorney. You’ll have a major head start if you do these things.
- Consider reconciliation. It’s okay to wait until your anger passes to file divorce; if you feel the same way in a few months, file then.
- Talk with a therapist, who specializes in helping people going through divorce.
- Make a “wish list” of everything you would like in the divorce. But, know that you will have to make compromises as will your spouse.
- Make a list of questions your attorney.
- Gather all financial and legal documents.
- Know that you’re going to be okay; that in a year or so from now, your divorce will no longer be the first thing you think about when you wake up in the morning.
During your representation, your Alaska divorce attorney will be able to give you additional and specific insider advice and guidance for your individual situation.
