Registering Foreign (Out-Of-State) Orders

What is a foreign order?

A foreign order is a court order issued by state court in the United States other than Alaska, or a court of another country. For example, a child custody order from California is a foreign order in Alaska.

Why would I want to register it?

If you want the Alaska courts or Alaska police to take action here in Alaska on the court order you have from another state, you generally must register the foreign order in Alaska. Some people register a foreign order simply to be able to enforce it; other people register a foreign order as the first step in a modification procedure.

When can I register an order?

Registration of a valid foreign court order for the purpose of enforcement is allowed at any time, and is a fairly straightforward process. Registration for the purpose of a modification is much more complicated because only a court with jurisdiction can modify an order. The laws controlling jurisdiction are very complicated. If you have any questions at all, you are urged to seek the advice of an attorney.

How long does it take for the registration to become valid?

Once the court has processed your packet, the clerk's office will serve the documents on the other party. The other party has 20 calendar days from the date they received the notice to request a hearing. If they do not request a hearing, the order will be registered in Alaska.

After an order is registered, can I modify it?

If your original court order is from a state other than Alaska, you can only modify it here IF Alaska has jurisdiction.

There are different jurisdiction laws for child support than child custody. The laws controlling jurisdiction are very complicated. If you have any questions at all, you are urged to seek the advice of an attorney if you are trying to change the jurisdiction of your order.

If Alaska does have jurisdiction and I want to modify, what do I do?

To modify custody or support, you must file an appropriate motion. Please see the modification information page to learn more.

Are there different procedures for custody orders than support orders?

Yes. There are specific forms for registering a foreign custody order and for registering a foreign support order.

Can I register both at the same time?

Yes. You simply complete both sets of forms and file them together.

How much does it cost to register a foreign order?

• foreign custody order and foreign support order together: $150
• foreign custody order alone: $150
• foreign support order alone: FREE

Do I need to get a special copy of the court order I am trying to register?

Yes, you must obtain a certified or exemplified copy of the court order you are trying to register by making a request to the Clerk's Office of the court that issued the original order. If you are trying to register both the custody and support orders, you must get a certified or exemplified copy of each one.

What am I required to file with the court to register a foreign order?

You must submit the following packet to the court at which you want to register:

1. One certified or exemplified copy of the original order.
2. One photocopy of the certified or exemplified original order.
3. For Custody:
   • Notice of Registration of Child Custody Order of Another State or Country, DR-483 [Fill-in PDF]
     (Completed except for the date and clerk's signature)
   • Affidavit for Child Custody Registration, SHC-1510 Word | PDF
   • Child Custody Jurisdiction Affidavit, DR-150 [Fill-In PDF]
   • Request for Hearing on Registered Child Custody Order, DR-484 [Fill-in PDF]
     (Only fill in the Petitioner's and Respondent's names in the caption at the top left and leave the rest blank)
   • Confirmation of Registered Child Custody Order, DR-485 [Fill-in PDF]
     (Only fill in the Petitioner's and Respondent's names in the caption at the top left and leave the rest blank)
4. For Child Support:
   • Notice of Registration of Foreign Support Order, CIV-645 [Fill-In PDF]
     (Completed except for the date and clerk's signature)
   • Affidavit to register a Foreign Support Order for Enforcement, SHC-1520 Word | PDF
   • Child Custody Jurisdiction Affidavit, DR-150 [Fill-In PDF]
   • Request for Hearing on Registered Child Support Order, CIV-646
     (Only fill in the Petitioner's and Respondent's names in the caption at the top left and leave the rest blank)
5. You need to tell the court how you want it to deliver the documents to the opposing party by:
   • 1st class US mail (which is free)
   • certified mail (which you have to pay for), or
   • a process server (which you have to arrange and pay for).
   • 1st class US mail: Give the clerk at the court:
     • the packet of forms to register a foreign order
     • envelope(s) addressed to the opposing party
     • a copy of all documents you are filling PLUS a Request for Hearing form for the opposing party
   • Certified mail: Give the clerk at the court:
     • the packet of forms to register a foreign order
     • envelope(s) addressed to the opposing party
     • a copy of all documents you are filling PLUS a Request for Hearing form for the opposing party
     • the filled-out mailing forms for certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested from the Post Office for each of the parties listed in the certificate of distribution on the Notice of Registration Order. On the green card, fill out your return address so you get the green card back later.
     • enough postage for the court to serve by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested.
   • Before coming to court, it is your responsibility to go to the Post Office and get the forms for certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested, and figure out how much it will cost to mail the forms by this method and put the stamps on the envelope. If you don't provide the correct stamped envelope, your paperwork may be rejected.
   • Process server: Give the clerk:
     • the packet of forms to register a foreign order
     • service instructions for the specific process server you want the court to use. Read the instructions about “Personal Service By Process Server” in CIV-106 .
6. The filing fee of $150 if you are registering BOTH a foreign child custody order and a foreign support order together, or ONLY a child custody order. If you cannot afford $150, you can file a Request for Exemption for Payment of Fees, TF-920 . If you are registering ONLY a foreign support order, it is FREE.
7. Case description form, CIV-125S

Do I have to register a domestic violence protective order from another state?

You don't have to file special forms at the court to register the protective order from another state. But for the police to enforce the out-of-state protective order, you can bring a certified copy to the court for filing. There is no filing fee. The clerk will send a copy of the filed order to Alaska law enforcement who will enter it into their system. The court or the police will not give the respondent a copy of the protective order or notice that you have filed the order with the Alaska court.

Rev. 13 September 2011 © Alaska Court System www.courts.alaska.gov

You'll need to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view and print documents with this symbol. If you are using a screen reader, get support and information at the Adobe Access website.