No other issues surrounding divorce are as emotional or confusing as those involving the children. Who gets custody? Who pays child support? What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody? Did you know there are different types of legal and physical custody; depending upon a number of factors, which are based on the “best interest of the children”.

The most important thing to understand is that the intention of judge is to carve out the custody and support decisions that are in the best interests of the child. But you and the child’s other parent may have very different opinions about what is actually in the best interest of the children.  You need someone who can help you present your best case and get your thoughts and intentions said in a way that the judge will hear and understand your concerns.

For men, this traditionally causes a few problems. On one hand, in Alaska, as in other states around the country, the stereotype of mother as primary child carer is deeply entrenched. And, on the other hand, men are typically not good at making their own case in family court. Most men know what they want to say but are unable to say it effectively, that is why they need the Alaska Divorce Center for Men.

At Alaska Divorce Center For Men, we are aware of the unique Alaskan culture that complicates child custody issues. An ex-spouse moving with the children to another city, let alone the lower 48, can essentially terminate a father’s relationship with his children. Cases across state lines regularly involve the extensive Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).

We will work closely with you to develop a legal strategy that addresses how this law affects your and your children.

The attorneys at the Alaska Divorce Center for Men, with more than 55 years of combined experience, have provided reliable legal guidance to fathers in need of help. This can be very complicated and there is no substitute for experience in dealing with these issues.  We understand the complicated rules governing custody disputes and can help you understand them as well.

Shared Custody

Shared custody doesn’t mean time is split 50-50. But, for a father to have shared custody, he must have at least 110 overnight visits (30 percent) with the child in one calendar year. Not surprisingly, the discussions and negotiations involved in reaching an amicable  agreement over custody of the kids can be one of the most emotional of the whole divorce process.

Interstate Custody

When one parent no longer lives in Alaska or even in the same city, shared custody can be impossible.  When parents cannot agree who will have primary custody, then the court will decide. This may result in the loss of daily or weekly physical contact with the children – an outcome that  can be devastating to both father and children.  We at the Alaska Divorce Center for Men fight to help men keep custody of their children.