A lien is a claim that effectively places a hold or freeze on property (bank accounts, real estate, a car or truck, insurance proceeds) to ensure payment of a debt by the owner of the property. In the child support context, a parent who is owed child support—or the state’s child support services in the Office of Attorney General—may place a child support lien on property owned by the parent who owes child support.

In most states this child support lien arises automatically and without the need for a court order. Banks, insurance companies, and real estate title companies are given notice of a child support lien (1) by the attorney for the parent who is owed child support; (2) by the state’s child support services; or (3) by checking a lien registry or child support lien network for liens. In some circumstances the parent who is owed child support, or the state’s child support services may force the sale of property to satisfy a child support lien.

In Alaska, a child support lien can be used as a legal tool to ensure that a parent who owes child support fulfills their obligation. The lien creates a legal claim against the non-custodial parent's property, such as bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, or insurance proceeds. This lien can be placed by the parent who is owed child support or by the state's child support enforcement agency. In Alaska, the lien is typically established administratively without the need for a court order. Once a lien is in place, entities like banks, insurance companies, and real estate title companies are notified either directly by the custodial parent's attorney, by the state's child support services, or through a lien registry or child support lien network. If necessary, the property can be forced into sale by the owed parent or the state to satisfy the child support debt. It's important for both parents to be aware of the implications of such liens and to understand their rights and responsibilities under Alaska's child support enforcement laws.