The Supreme Court has thrown out a ruling in a case involving children and the rights of a biological parent.
The court says a couple can't get permanent custody of four children unless they show by "clear and convincing evidence" that placement with the biological mom would not be best for the kids.
Robert and Lorie Hunter have been guardians of the children since 2002 when sister-in-law Tammy Jo Hunter and her husband had drug problems. Now, Tammy Jo of Indiana has turned her life around and regularly sees the children.
The Supreme Court is sending the case back to Oakland County for a new hearing. The judge has options, which include continuing the guardianship with the Hunters and not granting custody to either side.
Full Article and Source:
Michigan court clarifies rights in custody cases
The court says a couple can't get permanent custody of four children unless they show by "clear and convincing evidence" that placement with the biological mom would not be best for the kids.
Robert and Lorie Hunter have been guardians of the children since 2002 when sister-in-law Tammy Jo Hunter and her husband had drug problems. Now, Tammy Jo of Indiana has turned her life around and regularly sees the children.
The Supreme Court is sending the case back to Oakland County for a new hearing. The judge has options, which include continuing the guardianship with the Hunters and not granting custody to either side.
Full Article and Source:
Michigan court clarifies rights in custody cases
I think when the parent(s) is able to turn her life around and get off of drugs, then she should be given a chance to have her children back. But, she should be supervised and given random drug testing to be sure the change is for real.
ReplyDeleteChildren are generally better with their parents, even in this case when the children are nieces and nephews.
Robert and Lorie Hunter obviously act in the best interest of the children or they wouldn't have taken them in during their time of need. And life has settled down for them --- surely, this is hard for the Hunters.
The kids have been with the guardians for seven years. It is most likely best for the kids to stay with them.
ReplyDeleteI disagree, Anonymous 2. I don't mean to put down the 7 years, but generally kids are better off with their parents whenever possible.
ReplyDelete