| Title 25 contains the Alaska laws about child custody | | | | behavior. By thinking about all of these, the parents |
| matters. Within these laws, parents can find the | | | | can make the best possible custody schedule. |
| necessary guidelines to create the best possible | | | | 2. Grandparent and other visitation. Section 25.24.150 |
| custody and visitation schedule for their child. It is | | | | Part a explains that grandparents and other significant |
| important to know the guidelines and rules that are in | | | | persons may be granted visitation to the child, if it is |
| the laws, especially as they apply to the custody | | | | in the best interest of the child. Other people who |
| schedule, because it can help getting a schedule | | | | may be granted visitation are step parents, siblings, |
| accepted by the court. It also helps parents know | | | | and other family members. A grandparent or other |
| the factors they should consider to make a schedule | | | | person may petition the court for visitation, or they |
| that fits the needs of their child. Here is an overview | | | | parents can work with the other family members to |
| of some of the laws that parents need to know for | | | | incorporate them into the visitation schedule. It's very |
| their visitation schedule. | | | | important that the child have the same contact with |
| 1. The best interest of the child. Section 25.24.150 | | | | family that s/he had before. So, if the child was |
| Part c makes it clear that any custody decision | | | | spending a lot of time with grandparents, that time |
| should be made thinking about what is best for the | | | | shouldn't suddenly be cut off. The child should still get |
| child. This is especially true of the custody schedule. | | | | to see grandma and grandpa. |
| The schedule must be made to fulfill the needs of | | | | 3. Authority of the state court. Section 25.24.150 Part |
| the child, and not be made based on the desires of | | | | a gives authority to the court to make custody |
| the parents. Some of the factors that parents should | | | | decisions. This means that the court can create a |
| think about as they make the schedule include: the | | | | custody schedule or change the existing custody |
| mental, physical, emotional, religious, and social needs | | | | schedule at any time, and the parents must comply |
| of the child; the relationship between the child and | | | | with what the court orders. Parents who are able to |
| each parent; the capacity of each parent to | | | | cooperate and create a visitation schedule together |
| encourage the child to spend time with the other | | | | find that they need less interference and help from |
| parent; the child's preference; how long the child has | | | | the court. The court will accept a schedule when |
| lived in the current environment; and if there has | | | | both parents agree on it. And, the court will not |
| been any history of domestic violence or criminal | | | | change a schedule that both parents are happy with. |