Mama June Shannon is gearing up for a legal battle over the custody of her oldest grandchild, Kaitlyn. The WEtv star has filed for permanent custody of the 11-year-old, just 11 days after Kaitlyn’s mother, Anna Cardwell, succumbed to cancer. The Sun reported on Wednesday that June is seeking sole legal and physical custody of Kaitlyn.
June’s move came a day after Michael Cardwell, Kaitlyn’s former stepdad and the father of Anna’s other daughter, Kylee, filed for custody of Kaitlyn. Following Anna’s death, Michael was granted custody of Kylee, his biological child, but not Kaitlyn. Interestingly, June’s custody request, filed on Monday, claims she is unaware of any other interested parties who would have standing to seek custody of Kaitlyn. However, The Sun revealed that June was served with Michael’s legal papers on Sunday, indicating she was aware of his intentions.
June argues that Kaitlyn should stay with her because the girl has been living with her for the past month. Anna spent her final weeks in hospice care at June’s house, where she passed away. June has had emergency guardianship of Kaitlyn since December 15 and has been taking care of her since Anna’s death. “Since the mother’s passing, the child has remained in the care, custody, and control of Petitioner,” June stated in her filing.
Michael, on the other hand, contends that he has been a consistent father figure for Kaitlyn since she was an infant. He claims to have continued caring for Kaitlyn even after his divorce from Anna in 2017. Michael’s filing states that he has been involved in Kaitlyn’s life, taking both girls during his custodial visits and paying for Kaitlyn’s schooling. He argues that Anna considered him to be Kaitlyn’s father and that he has shown a continuous interest in her well-being.
Michael also pointed out that June and Anna had a tumultuous relationship, with periods of estrangement. “Anna has had a very sordid relationship with her mother throughout her life and went various periods of time without speaking to her,” Michael wrote. “Likewise, June’s presence in [Kaitlyn’s] life has been inconsistent.” He believes that being in his custody would be in Kaitlyn’s best interest.
June has hired a lawyer to fight for custody, and Michael also has legal representation. June has not publicly commented on the custody battle. While Anna’s final days were reportedly filmed for “Mama June: Road to Redemption,” it is unclear if the custody fight will be featured on the show.
Michael’s legal filing emphasizes his role in Kaitlyn’s life, stating that he has “fully and completely undertaken a permanent, unequivocal, committed, and responsible parental role” in her upbringing. He has been paying for her schooling and has established a bonded and dependent relationship with her, which was supported by Anna. Michael also noted that Anna was primarily raised by her maternal grandmother and only returned to June’s home when she was 17.
Michael’s filing further states that he has been a stable and consistent part of Kaitlyn’s life since she was eight months old. He argues that he is the only living person who has shown a constant and continuous interest in Kaitlyn’s well-being and that being in his custody would be in her best interest.
Anna’s death from stage 4 adrenal carcinoma on December 9 has left her family heartbroken. Her youngest sister, Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, penned a touching tribute to Anna, expressing her grief and vowing to keep her legacy alive. “Unfortunately, around 11 pm, Anna took her last breath. Anna was in so much pain last night, but now, as a family, we all know she is at peace. I really don’t know what to say as my heart is completely broken,” Alana wrote. “Watching my 29-year-old sister this last year battle this horrible disease hasn’t been easy. Anna was a fighter & still is.”
Alana continued, “I’m so glad that you waited til I was home to take your last breath! I would’ve loved for you to get to see me graduate college, but I know you will forever cheer me on in heaven! We will all make sure your legacy lives on forever. And I promise to always make sure to celebrate our birthday like you never left!”
The custody battle between June and Michael is set to unfold in court, with both parties determined to secure what they believe is best for Kaitlyn. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the well-being of the young girl who has already endured the loss of her mother.
Source: The Sun, OK! Magazine
