Alaska § 25.30.300 - Initial child custody jurisdiction.
Full text of Alaska Alaska Statutes § 25.30.300 — Initial child custody jurisdiction., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 25.30.300. Initial child custody jurisdiction.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in AS 25.30.330 , a court of this state has jurisdiction to make an initial child custody determination only if (1) this state is the home state of the child on the date of the commencement of the proceeding;
(2) this state was the home state of the child within six months before the commencement of the proceeding and the child is absent from this state but a parent or person acting as a parent continues to live in this state;
(3) a court of another state does not have jurisdiction under provisions substantially similar to (1) or (2) of this subsection, or a court of the home state of the child has declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that this state is the more appropriate forum under provisions substantially similar to AS 25.30.360 or 25.30.370, and (A) the child and the child's parents, or the child and at least one parent or a person acting as a parent, have a significant connection with this state other than mere physical presence; and
(B) substantial evidence is available in this state concerning the child's care, protection, training, and personal relationships;
(4) all courts having jurisdiction under the criteria specified in (1) — (3) of this subsection have declined to exercise jurisdiction on the ground that a court of this state is the more appropriate forum to determine the custody of the child under provisions substantially similar to AS 25.30.360 or 25.30.370; or
(5) no court of another state would have jurisdiction under the criteria specified in (1) — (4) of this subsection.
(b) The provisions of (a) of this section are the exclusive jurisdictional bases for making a child custody determination by a court of this state.
(c) Physical presence of or personal jurisdiction over a party or a child is not necessary or sufficient to make a child custody determination.
Source: official Alaska text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaska § 25.30.300
What does Alaska Statutes § 25.30.300 cover?
Section 25.30.300 ("Initial child custody jurisdiction.") is part of the Alaska Statutes, the codified statutory law of Alaska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alaska § 25.30.300?
A common citation format is "Alaska Statutes § 25.30.300" (Alaska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alaska law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alaska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alaska attorney.
How does Alaska § 25.30.300 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alaska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alaska.