Alaska Divorce Legal Questions

In Alaska I do not believe that he would have any grounds to sue you. The police took him to the hospital not you. If you do not want a divorce you have to make sure that you are safe. A broken eye socket is a significantly serious injury. You would have grounds to get a restraining order against him if you are worried about his behavior. I worry that if you do not protect yourself this erratic behavior could turn, once again, to violence. If one party wants a divorce there is nothing that the other party can do. Alaska is a no fault state meaning that there does not have to be any reason to get a divorce. Please make sure that you are watching out for your safety during this difficult time for both of you. Just remember that you cannot fix him. That is for the professionals to do. You should try to get into counseling yourself to discover why you would stay with someone who hurt you so badly. This is not a judgment it is just a way for you to get some tools so that you feel safe. An attorney could go more thoroughly through your options.... Read More

How much a divorce costs is dependent upon its complexity and whether the spouses are contentious (e.g. fighting about everything). Are their children of the marriage? Do both parties want the divorce? Is there an agreement on property (and debt) split? There is about a $150 filing fee + fees if children are involved plus attorneys fees if you hire one. Attorneys fees can be cheap $100,000 if very complex and contentious. In MI a divorce has statutory minimum time limits without children of the marriage a minimum of 60 days with children a minimum of 6 months (180 days).... Read More

In Alaska the courts presume 50/50 - in other words that is where they start. Usually it must be something serious to have them vary from this formula. What they look at is the best interests of the child. There are a number of factors that are in the law that the courts follow to make this determination. An attorney can help you fight for custody so that it is fair to you.... Read More

Your very short marriage does not entitle you to much given he came to the marriage with separate marriage. You might ask him for a couple of months of support to help you move. However without being married you may not be allowed to stay in the US after your temporary card expires. You should consult with a immigration attorney.... Read More

Alimony or maintenance is ordered where one person foregoes education or employment opportunities in the belief that they are part of a couple that will continue "until death do us part," and that there is value to working for the benefit of the couple at pursuits that advance the couple, not that person's individual future.  So, if one person stays at home, does the laundry, cooks the food, cleans the house, buys the food and clothes, arranges for the repairs to the house and vehicles, etc., and the other party goes out and works as hard as possible, etc., when they split up, the person who was working hard for a pay check, still has a job and decent prospects.  The other person needs to start over.  Keep in mind the eternal truth:  why does a divorce cost so much?  Because it's worth it.... Read More