Opinion ID: 1292527
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: did the superior court err in awarding judith full attorney's fees in connection with the motion to modify custody?

Text: The superior court awarded Judith her full attorney's fees incurred in connection with the custody modification motion. The superior court's award was based on its finding that Randy had engaged in bad faith and vexatious conduct in his attempts to retain custody of his daughter. [7] In motions to amend or enforce a visitation or custody order, attorney's fees will be assessed only against litigants who have acted willfully and without just excuse. See L.L.M. v. P.M., 754 P.2d 262, 265 (Alaska 1988). Our review of the record in this case leads us to the conclusion that the superior court erred in its overall conclusion that an award of attorney's fees against Randy was appropriate. [8] Such a holding on these facts would run counter to the rationale we adopted in L.L.M., that a party who reasonably and in good faith [9] believes his or her actions are justified by the best interests of the child [10] should not be deterred from taking appropriate action by the possibility of an award of attorney's fees and costs. 754 P.2d at 265. AFFIRMED in part, REVERSED in part.