Opinion ID: 2570311
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The willingness and ability of each parent to encourage a close relationship with the other parent

Text: In considering the willingness and ability of each parent to encourage a close relationship with the other parent under AS 25.24.150(c)(6), the superior court concluded that this factor slightly favors the mother. The court noted that there is some continuing animosity between the parties, and found that while Patricia appears better suited to put aside her own emotions and put the children first, Bernard's anger and unresolved marriage issues may make it more difficult for him to do so. Bernard disputes this finding. Bernard points to Dr. Turner's statements in his report that Patricia is apprehensive about [Bernard's] participation with the children and that she was not responsive to questions about supporting a relationship between the children and their father. But Dr. Turner testified that overall ... [Patricia] does support the importance of [Bernard] being involved in the children's lives. Dr. Turner also testified that Bernard's anger, mistrust, and unresolved issues related to the marriage interfere with his ability to support a relationship between Patricia and the children, and concluded that Patricia has a little bit better capability to support a relationship between the children and their father. Although there is some contrary evidence in the record, there is substantial evidence in the record to support the superior court's finding that Patricia is more able than Bernard to foster a relationship between the children and the other parent.