Jason Mouritsen v. Julia Mouritsen, n/k/a Julia Taubert

Summary

The Alaska Supreme Court held that the superior court improperly terminated its exclusive, continuing jurisdiction over the child-custody order solely because the parents and children were physically living in South Carolina. Under the UCCJEA, “presently resides” is interpreted consistently with Alaska’s residency statute and requires consideration of domicile-related intent and circumstances. The court also held that the superior court had not fully analyzed the forum non conveniens factors or afforded the parties a sufficient opportunity to address them, so it vacated and remanded.