Opinion ID: 1292527
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: introduction

Text: Randy Wanamaker appeals from the attorney's fees portion of the superior court's modification order which granted his former wife, Judith Scott, custody of their minor child. He does not contest the change of custody. Randy argues that the superior court lacked subject matter jurisdiction as to the modification motion under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, AS 25.30.010-.910 (UCCJA), and the federal Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1738A (PKPA). It is Randy's position that Washington, the state in which the original custody decree was issued, has continuing jurisdiction to the exclusion of the courts of Alaska. In regard to the award of attorney's fees, Randy contends that the court abused its discretion in holding he exhibited bad faith and vexatious conduct in opposing Judith's motion to change custody.