Nelson v. Nelson

OPINION

CARPENETI, Chief Justice.

I. INTRODUCTION

An Alaskan military couple divorced in 2008. Their agreement for custody of their two children was incorporated into the divorce decree. The following year, the father, who anticipated relocating with the military, sought modification of the custody arrangement. In its order denying modification, the superior court tried to give effect to the parties' custody agreement but did not independently analyze the best interests of the children. Because a substantial change in cireumstances occurred, and because a custody decision must be based on an…