Last updated: July 14, 2026
Bottom line
If you need legal help in Alaska, start with the deadline. Apply to Alaska Legal Services Corporation for free civil legal aid. Use the Alaska Court System’s self-help pages for court forms and process information. Call an advocate first if abuse, stalking, or sexual assault is part of the problem.
This guide covers family law, child support, protective orders, eviction, public benefits, disability rights, immigration, and other civil legal issues. It is general information, not legal advice. The national legal help guide explains more ways to find help, while the Alaska assistance guide covers food, housing, health care, and other support.
If you need urgent help
- Immediate danger: Call 911.
- Domestic violence or stalking: Use the Alaska victim resources page to find local programs. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. StrongHearts Native Helpline is 1-844-762-8483.
- Protective order: The court protective-order page has an electronic wizard, paper forms, instructions, and videos. Filing forms does not create an order until the court acts.
- Eviction papers: Read the hearing date and contact legal aid at once. The court eviction guide explains how a tenant can respond.
- Benefits stopped: Read the notice now. You may have a short deadline to ask for a hearing or to request continued benefits while the appeal is pending.
If you also need food, housing, transport, or other local support, call Alaska 211 at 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221. The Alaska 211 directory is free and offers language help, but its phone center is not open around the clock.
Where to start
Put the closest deadline first. A court hearing, eviction date, benefits appeal date, or protective-order hearing should come before a problem with no set deadline. Make the first call even if you do not have every paper.
You need a lawyer
Apply to Alaska Legal Services Corporation. Tell intake the type of case, the next deadline, the court location, and the other party’s name.
You need court forms
Use the Alaska Court System’s self-help pages. Staff can explain forms and steps but cannot tell you what legal choice is best.
You need safety help
Contact an advocate before taking steps that may raise the risk to you or your children. Ask about safe contact, shelter, court support, and legal referrals.
You need other support
The Alaska community help guide may help with food, bills, child care, and local services while the legal issue is pending.
Quick help table
| Problem | Start here | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-income civil case | Alaska Legal Services | Ask for intake and state the deadline first. | Income eligibility does not promise that the case will be accepted. |
| Custody or divorce forms | Family Self-Help Center | Ask which forms and filing steps fit the case. | Staff are neutral and do not give legal advice. |
| Child support services | Alaska CSED | Ask how to open, review, or update a case. | CSED and the court have different roles. |
| Domestic violence or stalking | Local victim advocate | Ask about safety, protective orders, shelter, and legal help. | Use safe phone, email, and printing choices. |
| Eviction | Legal aid and court guide | Ask what must be filed before the hearing. | A landlord must use the court process, but deadlines can be short. |
| Benefits denial or delay | DPA and fair hearing help | Ask for the deadline and proof that the appeal was filed. | The notice may require action sooner to keep benefits going. |
Free civil legal aid
Alaska Legal Services Corporation, called ALSC, is the main statewide civil legal aid program. It handles issues such as family law, housing, public benefits, health care, debt, Alaska Native law, and some problems involving older adults or veterans.
Use the ALSC application page or call 1-888-478-2572. ALSC checks both financial eligibility and the type of case. It may give advice, brief service, help with forms, or representation, but it cannot accept every case.
Have the other party’s full name ready. Legal aid must check for conflicts before hearing private details. Also have the court name, case number, hearing date, and all notices nearby.
If ALSC cannot take the case, ask for a clear referral. The Alaska Bar lists current free legal providers, clinics, and Alaska Free Legal Answers. The online service lets qualifying users post civil legal questions for volunteer Alaska lawyers, but it is not designed for emergencies or long court documents.
Say the deadline first
Start the call with: “My hearing is on August 4,” or “My notice says I must appeal by July 22.” This helps intake understand the urgency.
Custody, divorce, and parenting time
The Alaska Court System’s family self-help center covers divorce, dissolution, custody, paternity, parenting plans, motions, trials, enforcement, and changes to existing orders. It is meant for people who do not have a lawyer.
The statewide helpline is 907-264-0851. A free in-state call from outside Anchorage is available at 866-279-0851. The helpline information page lists hours of Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The line can be busy. Have your case number and forms ready before calling.
Self-help staff are neutral. They can explain court steps, forms, and filing rules. They cannot advise you on strategy, tell you what to say, or represent you. The call is not confidential, and staff may also help the other party.
Use the official Alaska court forms page rather than forms from an unknown website. Court forms can change. If you cannot pay a filing fee, read the court fee-waiver guide and ask whether form TF-920 fits your filing.
Do not rely only on a verbal custody or parenting agreement. A court order remains in force until the court changes it. The Alaska child care guide may help if care costs make hearings, appointments, or work hard to manage.
Child support help
Alaska’s Child Support Enforcement Division, called CSED, can establish and enforce support, locate parents, process payments, and handle other child support services. Its new system uses separate portals rather than the old myAlaska child support service.
Start at the CSED website or register through the CSED client portal. Customer service is 907-269-6900. Ask what CSED can do in your case and whether a court filing is also needed.
A change in work, income, or parenting time does not change an existing support order by itself. Use the court self-help center or speak with a lawyer before assuming a new amount. Keep paying or collecting under the current order unless CSED or the court gives lawful instructions.
The Alaska child support guide explains applications, payments, enforcement, and changes in more detail.
Safety and protective orders
Domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking can affect custody, housing, child support, work, immigration, and money. This article is not a safety plan. A local advocate can help you think through safer options for your facts.
The Alaska Department of Public Safety says local victim programs provide advocacy and safety planning, and most offer emergency shelter. You do not need to live in a shelter to ask for services. Alaska Native and American Indian survivors may also call StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1-844-762-8483.
The court’s protective-order page offers an electronic wizard and paper forms for domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault cases. A petition can be filed for yourself and, in some cases, for children or someone under your legal guardianship. An advocate or lawyer can help you decide what information is safe and relevant to include.
The Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault offers survivor legal support and links to local advocates. The national safety guide and Alaska safety resources provide more support paths.
Device safety
If someone may watch your phone, email, printer, or browser history, use a safer device when possible. Ask an advocate about safer contact methods. Do not post your plans online.
Eviction and housing problems
In Alaska, an eviction court case is called Forcible Entry and Detainer. A landlord must give a valid written Notice to Quit before starting the court case. The exact notice and deadline depend on the claimed reason, so read every page and get legal help quickly.
The Alaska Court System says a landlord cannot legally remove a tenant without a court order. Do not ignore a summons or hearing date. Bring the lease, rent records, repair requests, photos, messages, and notices to legal aid or court.
Ask a lawyer before withholding rent, ending a lease, signing a move-out deal, or agreeing to a judgment. The court’s housing self-help page gives process information, but it does not replace advice about your case.
The Alaska housing guide may help with rent, shelter, vouchers, and utilities. The Alaska transportation guide may help if distance or travel is blocking court or legal appointments.
SNAP, Medicaid, and benefits appeals
You can ask for a fair hearing when the Alaska Division of Public Assistance, called DPA, denies, lowers, stops, or delays benefits. This may include SNAP, Medicaid eligibility, Alaska Temporary Assistance, Adult Public Assistance, or other programs.
The current fair hearing guide says most benefit appeals must be filed within 30 days of the notice. SNAP hearing requests may be filed within 90 days. A delay can be appealed at any time. Read your own notice because it controls your case.
If benefits are being reduced or stopped, a much shorter deadline may apply if you want them to continue during the appeal. The guide warns that this can be about ten days from the mailing date. Continued benefits may have to be repaid if the agency’s decision is upheld, so ask legal aid about the risk.
Use the DPA contact page or call 800-478-7778. Keep proof of every upload, email, fax, and hand delivery. The Medicaid hearing notice confirms a 30-day request period for the Medicaid decisions it covers.
The benefits problem guide can help you track notices and calls. Also see Alaska health care and Alaska TANF help for program-specific steps.
Special legal help
Some problems need a program with special training. Ask about eligibility before sending private records.
- Disability rights: The Disability Law Center intake is now mainly online. The center may provide information, advocacy, or legal help for disability-related issues. Ask for an accommodation if the online form is not accessible. The disability support guide covers related benefits and services.
- Immigration: The Immigration Justice Project offers free or low-cost legal services to immigrants and refugees, with priority help for some survivors. Immigration law is complex, so avoid unlicensed advice.
- Tribal and ICWA matters: The Alaska Native Justice Center works with Alaska Tribes and provides tribal justice and ICWA-related services. Ask whether its current services fit your case.
- Veteran families: Legal issues may be tied to VA benefits, survivor benefits, discharge status, or housing. The veteran benefits guide gives starting points.
Documents to gather
Bring what you have. Do not delay the first call because one paper is missing. The documents checklist can help you build a safe file.
| Issue | Helpful papers | Why they matter |
|---|---|---|
| Custody or divorce | Current orders, parenting plan, case number, income proof, school and child care records | Shows what the court has ordered and what has changed. |
| Child support | Support order, payment record, CSED notices, income and insurance proof | Helps explain the current order and payment issue. |
| Eviction | Lease, Notice to Quit, summons, receipts, photos, repair requests, messages | Shows the deadline, rent history, and housing conditions. |
| Benefits appeal | Decision notice, application date, case number, upload receipts, medical proof when relevant | Shows the decision, deadline, and what you submitted. |
| Safety issue | Court papers, messages, photos, police report if any, safe contact instructions | An advocate can help decide what is safe to share. |
| Debt case | Summons, account statements, collection letters, payment records | Debt lawsuits also have court deadlines. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for the hearing day. Apply for help as soon as papers arrive.
- Using an old form. Download forms from the Alaska Court System.
- Missing an appeal date. Mark the mailing date and deadline on the notice.
- Assuming a verbal deal is enough. Court orders stay in force until lawfully changed.
- Sending original papers. Keep copies unless an office clearly needs the original.
- Using unsafe contact details. Tell an advocate or lawyer if mail, phone, or email may be watched.
If help is denied or delayed
| What happened | Next step | What to keep |
|---|---|---|
| ALSC cannot take the case | Ask for a clinic, online advice, private referral, or another provider. | Intake date, referral names, and your deadline |
| The court form is unclear | Call the Self-Help Center with the form and case number ready. | Notes, form name, and filing date |
| DPA has not acted | Check the case, keep proof, and consider a fair hearing for delay. | Application, uploads, notices, and call log |
| A disability blocks access | Ask the court or agency for a reasonable accommodation. | Your written request and the response |
If you cannot get a lawyer before a deadline, protect the deadline as best you can. Call the court clerk or self-help center for process information, but remember that court staff cannot advise you on strategy.
Phone scripts
Calling ALSC
“I need help with a civil legal problem. It is about [custody, eviction, benefits, safety, or debt]. My next deadline is [date]. Can I complete intake, and what papers should I have ready?”
Calling court self-help
“I do not have a lawyer. My case is about [custody, divorce, or support]. My case number is [number]. Which official form or packet covers this step?”
Calling CSED
“I need to [open a case, check payments, update contact details, or ask about a change]. Which portal should I use, and do I also need to file anything with the court?”
Calling about benefits
“My [SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF] notice is dated [date]. I disagree with the decision or my case is delayed. What is my hearing deadline, and how can I get proof that my request was received?”
Backup options
If no lawyer can take the whole case, ask whether brief advice, a clinic, form review, online answers, or limited help is available. A short meeting may still help you understand a notice or prepare questions.
Also deal with the problem behind the legal case. Housing, child care, food, transport, health care, and safety support may reduce pressure while the case is open. Keep one written list of contacts, deadlines, and the next action for each problem.
Resumen en español
Si necesita ayuda legal civil en Alaska, solicite servicios con Alaska Legal Services Corporation al 1-888-478-2572. Para formularios e información sobre custodia, divorcio o manutención, llame al Centro de Ayuda de Derecho de Familia al 907-264-0851 o al 866-279-0851 desde Alaska fuera de Anchorage.
Si está en peligro, llame al 911. Si hay violencia doméstica, abuso sexual o acecho, hable con un programa local antes de tomar pasos que puedan aumentar el riesgo. Si recibió una carta sobre SNAP, Medicaid u otros beneficios, lea la fecha límite de apelación y guarde prueba de todo lo que envíe. Este artículo es información general y no es consejo legal.
FAQs
Can single mothers get a free lawyer in Alaska?
Sometimes. Alaska Legal Services Corporation provides free civil legal help based on financial and case eligibility. It cannot accept every case, so apply early and state your deadline first.
Can the court help with custody forms?
The Family Law Self-Help Center gives forms and process information to people without lawyers. Staff are neutral and cannot give legal advice, plan strategy, or represent you.
Where do I apply for child support?
Use the Alaska Child Support Enforcement Division website and client portal. Call 907-269-6900 if you need help starting or accessing a case.
What should I do with eviction papers?
Read the hearing date, keep every page, and contact legal aid. Bring your lease, payment records, notices, repair requests, messages, and photos.
How long do I have to appeal benefits?
Most Alaska public benefit appeals have a 30-day deadline, while SNAP requests may be filed within 90 days. Read your notice because faster action may be needed to continue benefits.
Is filing a protective-order form enough?
No. Filing asks the court for an order. The form itself is not a protective order. Call 911 for immediate danger and ask an advocate for safety-aware support.
Last updated: July 14, 2026 | Next review: October 14, 2026
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified July 14, 2026, next review October 14, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.