Opinion ID: 2633636
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Custody Award

Text: Although Bill sought equal physical custody of his and Carey's two children and asked for a schedule of two weeks on and two weeks off, the superior court awarded primary physical custody to Carey. Bill was awarded three weekends each month, alternate holidays with shared Christmas vacations, and three weeks in the summer. Bill disputes the factual findings made by the superior court and appeals the award of primary physical custody to Carey. Because the custody award was within the discretion of the superior court, we affirm. The superior court relied on the fact that Carey had been the children's primary caregiver on a full-time basis and was an excellent mother. The superior court additionally found that Bill tends to place his own needs and interests above those of the girls. Bill disputes these findings. Bill also complains that the final custody arrangement awarded him even less visitation with the children than had the interim custody arrangement because it provided for only three, rather than all, weekends per month with the children. Custody determinations are to be made based on the best interests of the child. Alaska Statute 25.24.150(c) provides a list of factors to be considered in determining the children's best interests. The superior court may properly conclude that awarding custody to the primary caregiver will establish greater emotional stability for the purposes of AS 25.24.150(c)(5), which requires the court to consider the length of time the child has lived in a stable, satisfactory environment and the desirability of maintaining continuity. [16] Additionally, there are many reasons why the children's best interests might require one weekend a month to be spent with their mother. It is the function of the superior court to judge witness credibility and to weigh conflicting evidence. [17] Because the superior court did not abuse its discretion, we affirm the award of physical custody to Carey and the visitation schedule.