Can a parent modify a child custody order in Alaska?

Child custody agreements are often made during divorce proceedings or when an unmarried couple with children decides to separate. Many factors are taken into account when a custody order is created, most importantly, what is in the best interest of the child. If, for some reason, after a custody order has been established and a change needs to be made, there is a way to get it modified.

In order for a parent to modify their current child custody order, the Alaska Court System states that they must file a request that outlines the need for a new arrangement. Typically, a parent must be able to show that their old parenting plan is no longer in the best interest of the child. Some acceptable reasons a parent may use to modify a child custody order include:

• The original order was established when the child was an infant and now the child has reached an age where he/she must start school, hence, the exchange times no longer worker.
• One parent is moving out of the state of Alaska making it impossible for the parties to follow a schedule where each spends one week at a time with their child.
• The parent who was spending more than 50% of their time with their child was incarcertated.
• A domestic violence incident occurred between the parents during an exchange.

How can a parent get their child custody order modified in Alaska?

In addition to providing a valid reason for getting a child custody order modified, the Alaska Court System states that there must also be:

• “A 15% change in the amount of child support ordered.” What this means is that “when you calculate support based on the parents’ current income now, it is 15% more or less than the current support order.”
• The parenting plan will change from primary custody to shared custody or vice versa.

Generally, when a parent needs to get their child custody order modified, they must file the necessary forms with the court. Even if both parents are in agreement with the change, certain forms must still be filed with the court.

Contact an Alaska Child Custody Attorney to Assist with Getting a Custody Order Modified

If a parent is ready to file a request to get their current child custody order modified, they can contact USAttorneys.com for help. USAttorneys.com can help them locate an Alaska child custody lawyer who can assist them with gathering the necessary forms and filling them out. And if an issue arises, the lawyer will also be there to help get it resolved. So, if a parent lives in Anchorage, Juneau, or Fairbanks, USAttorneys.com can help them find a child custody attorney who can provide them with the assistance they need.