WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: Alaska

Custody

View all
Laws current as of October 2, 2024

Will the judge always give joint custody?

There is a preference for both parents to share joint legal custody, regardless of the physical custody arrangement.1 However, the judge will only order shared custody if it is in the best interests of your child.2 The judge will look at the factors listed in How will the judge decide whether or not to give joint custody? to make his/her decision. Additionally, joint legal custody is only appropriate when you and the other parent can cooperate and communicate regarding your child.3

1 Bell v. Bell, 794 P.2d 97, 99 (1990)
2 AK ST § 25.20.060(c)
3 Farrell v. Farrell, 819 P.2d 896, 899 (1991)

Legal Information

© 2008–2024 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.