NCJ Number
140034
Journal
Alaska Justice Forum Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1991) Pages: 1,4-8
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A study was conducted to examine the impact of Alaska Civil Rule 90.3 on the standardization of child support orders in that State. The rule establishes the annual financial obligation of noncustodial parents, the division of expenses in shared custody cases, and provisions for payment adjustments during periods of extended visitation and for other compelling reasons.
Abstract
A sample of 435 divorce, dissolution, and other domestic relations cases filed during 1989 in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, Bethel, and Nome were compared to determine award amounts. The study found that, while overall child support awards have increased, custodial families, usually headed by women who earned less than their male counterparts, continued to experience decreases in their per capita financial resources. Disproportional disparities emerged in comparisons of support awards between communities, types of case, and establishment procedures. Support orders enforced through administrative processes rigorously followed the guidelines established in Rule 90.3, while awards in court cases reflected a more lenient series of applications that resulted in lower average obligations. 3 tables and 1 figure