In 2003, Christine Wolfe gave birth to Cody after she and Kenneth Barnett had divorced. She already had another child and considered allowing a Dearborn couple to adopt him.
The couple got custody and guardianship of Cody, but Barnett never gave up his parental rights and fought any anticipated adoption. Wolfe also withdrew her consent and the couple went to court, fighting to keep him as his parents' legal bills soared.
Barnett: "We're close to $225,000... This has basically impoverished us."
The child bounced between the parents and the guardians who wanted to adopt him. Wolfe received full custody of Cody, but the other couple tried to get the decision reversed. The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in the parents favor.
The costly court battle lasted more than five years and drained the parents' resources.
Cody's parents argue these disputes should never last this long. "He spent three years of his life with two homes, two names, two schools, two religions, two families and nobody could stop and say wait a minute, let's put an end to this."
Source:
Appeals Court Ends Adoption Battle
Video:
Bill Gallagher Reports: Contested Adoption
Barnett: "We're close to $225,000... This has basically impoverished us."
The child bounced between the parents and the guardians who wanted to adopt him. Wolfe received full custody of Cody, but the other couple tried to get the decision reversed. The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled in the parents favor.
The costly court battle lasted more than five years and drained the parents' resources.
Cody's parents argue these disputes should never last this long. "He spent three years of his life with two homes, two names, two schools, two religions, two families and nobody could stop and say wait a minute, let's put an end to this."
Source:
Appeals Court Ends Adoption Battle
Video:
Bill Gallagher Reports: Contested Adoption
4 comments:
This was complete and flagrant abuse of gaurdianship laws. Phillip and Phyllis Unthank, under attorney John Mills manipulated the courts, and used Judges they knew they could manipulate to try to get what they wanted. Thanks to the Michigan Court of Appeals for their slap in Wyane County's face! This was pathetically drawn out for five years. Thanks Wayne County, John Mills, and the Unthanks for putting my son through a living hell. CHILDREN ARE NOT FOR SALE IN MICHIGAN!
-KENNETH D BARNETT
This was complete and flagrant abuse of gaurdianship laws. Phillip and Phyllis Unthank, under attorney John Mills manipulated the courts, and used Judges they knew they could manipulate to try to get what they wanted. Thanks to the Michigan Court of Appeals for their slap in Wyane County's face! This was pathetically drawn out for five years. Thanks Wayne County, John Mills, and the Unthanks for putting my son through a living hell. CHILDREN ARE NOT FOR SALE IN MICHIGAN!
-KENNETH D BARNETT
I read with total contempt for Kenneth Barnett. It is now September 2012 and this little boy is living in filth and flea left infested homes. This man rented prpoerty from us in Tennessee and the living conditions in this home were like what you see on TV. I wish the Unthanks would read this and call me.
Mrs Garrett, I know you and the Barnett's Very well. I will not divulge my name, but I work for Giles County CPS. I know all too well who you are, your drug addicted daughter, and the problems that have been created around your grandchildren. You are in no way a person that should throw any stones! I also know your history of false accusations and even in court perjury. I know the false accusations and problems you tried to create for the Barnett's. All because a court saw you for the lying lunatic you are. I find it surprising that the Barnett's have yet to sue you for harassment, slander, and defamation. I would watch my mouth in the future if I were you.
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