Opinion ID: 2465213
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Divorce And Initial Custody Agreement

Text: Joanna filed for divorce in July 2008. When the parties separated, Joanna and her daughters moved out. Michael remained in the Moose Creek home that he and Joanna had purchased together. After the separation, Dante spent time with each parent. During the first five months, a formal visitation schedule was not yet in place. On December 19, 2008, the parties filed a child custody, visitation, and support agreement with the court. The agreement detailed how Michael and Joanna would cooperate on various child-rearing issues including child support, health insurance, tax deductions, and permanent fund dividends. The agreement provided for shared physical custody on a 70/30 schedule where Michael would have five overnights with Dante each week and Joanna would have two overnights with Dante each week on days when she was not working. The agreement set out a special schedule for holidays. It provided for the possibility of relocation as follows: Neither party plans to move from the greater Fairbanks, Alaska area at this time. If a party plans to move from this area, that party shall give the other party 180 days notice prior to the move. This notice is for the purpose of allowing enough time to attempt to reach an agreement regarding custody and visitation or to allow one of the parties to file a motion for the court to determine the custody and visitation arrangement that is in the child's best interests under the circumstances that will exist after the party's move. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the child will remain with the parent living in the Fairbanks community until further court order. The parties agreed to work together in rearing the child. Joanna and Michael each cared for Dante and contributed to his continued development between December 2008, when the agreement was reached, and September 2009, when the case went to trial. Under the agreement, Michael had custody of Dante from 6 p.m. on Saturdays to 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays, while Joanna had Dante for the remainder.