Alaska Dissolution of Marriage Definitions

This collection of definitions will help clarify some unique characteristics to the Alaska Dissolution of Marriage process, procedure and Dissolution of Marriage paperwork which is filed with the court.

Filing Party Title:
Petitioner

The spouse who will initiate the Dissolution of Marriage by filing the paperwork with the court.

Non-Filing Party Title:
Respondent

The spouse who does not initiate the Dissolution of Marriage with the court.

Court Name:
Superior Court for the State of Alaska at ________ Judicial District

The name of the court in which a Dissolution of Marriage is filed. Each court typically has a domestic relations or a family law department or division.

Child Support Enforcement Website:
http://www.csed.state.ak.us/

The office devoted to enforcing existing child support orders and collecting any past due support.

Document Introduction:
In the Matter of the Dissolution of the Marriage of:

The lead-in verbiage used in the legal caption of the documents. The introduction typically prefaces both spouse’s names.

Initial Dissolution of Marriage Document:
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

The title and name of the document that will initiate the Alaska Dissolution of Marriage process. The filing spouse is also required to provide the non-filing spouse a copy of this document.

Final Dissolution of Marriage Document:
Decree of Dissolution of Marriage

The title and name of the document that will finalize the Alaska Dissolution of Marriage process. This document will be signed by the judge, master, or referee of the court to declare your marriage terminated.

Clerk’s Office Name:
County Clerk’s Office of the Superior Court

The office of the clerk that will facilitate the Dissolution of Marriage. This is the title you would address letters to or ask for when contacting the courthouse.

Legal Separation:

There is no specific legal provision in Alaska for legal separation.

Property Distribution:
Equitable Distribution

The applicable Alaska law that will dictate how property is to be divided upon Dissolution of Marriage.