Opinion ID: 2340395
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: There Has Been A Substantial Change Of Circumstances.

Text: Alaska Statute 25.20.110 authorizes courts to modify child custody and visitation awards if (1) there has been a substantial change in circumstances that justifies modification and (2) the modified arrangement is in the best interests of the child. [3] We have held that a custodial parent's decision to move out-of-state . . . amounts to a [substantial] change in circumstances as a matter of law. [4] The change in circumstances must be demonstrated relative to the facts and circumstances that existed at the time of the prior custody order that the party seeks to modify. [5] As we have explained, the change in circumstances requirement is intended to discourage continual relitigation of custody decisions, a policy motivated by the judicial assumption that finality and certainty in custody matters are critical to the child's emotional welfare. [6] When Justin filed his motion for modification in February 2009, he suggested that, as a result of his military service, he was likely to relocate some time after May 2011. Although Justin's relocation may have seemed far away when he filed the motion for the modification, his anticipated move grew nearer as the superior court proceedings progressed. By the time the case went to trial, in May 2010, Justin's relocation constituted a change of circumstances relative to the facts and circumstances that existed at the time the prior custody order was entered. Though the change-of-circumstances rule is designed to discourage discontented parents from continually renewing custody proceedings, [7] parents should not be discouraged from planning ahead and seeking to modify custody arrangements in advance of an anticipated move. In numerous cases, we have concluded that an anticipated move satisfied the change-of-circumstances requirement. [8] Indeed, to do otherwise could result in very harsh consequences for children (for example, if the non-moving parent is actually unfit). Justin's anticipated relocation, like Erica's proposed move to Iowa, constituted a substantial change of circumstances in this case.