Mama June Wins Custody Battle Over Granddaughter Kaitlyn
Mama June Wins Custody Battle Over Granddaughter Kaitlyn
From Not to Hot star Mama June Shannon is celebrating a legal victory after being awarded custody of her granddaughter, Kaitlyn, following a court dispute with Michael Cardwell, ex-husband of her late daughter, Anna Cardwell.
Kaitlyn, 11, had been at the center of a lengthy custody battle since Anna’s tragic passing from adrenal cancer at the age of 29 in December 2023.
Court documents obtained by In Touch revealed that, as of September 20, the Georgia judge ruled that “legal and physical custody of the minor child is to remain with [Mama June],” and Michael Cardwell would not have visitation rights unless agreed upon by both parties and Kaitlyn. The decision came after Kaitlyn expressed her desire to remain with her grandmother during a court hearing in July. Her therapist also supported her wishes, noting Kaitlyn’s fear of being separated from Mama June.
Allegations of Abuse and Contentious Case History
The custody case became increasingly bitter earlier this year when Mama June accused Michael of physical abuse during his marriage to Anna and towards Kaitlyn. Mama June’s legal team argued that allowing Michael custody would not be in the child’s best interest. Michael, however, denied the allegations through his attorney, asserting that no abuse had occurred.
In response, Michael contested that, as the father of Kylee, his eight-year-old daughter with Anna, he was best suited to care for Kaitlyn, Anna’s daughter from a previous relationship. Despite his claims, the judge sided with Mama June.
Mama June’s Heartache Over Anna’s Passing
In the wake of Anna’s death, Mama June opened up about the emotional toll of losing her eldest daughter, sharing the agony her family felt during Anna’s final moments.
In a candid interview with Daily Mail, Mama June recounted her daughter’s battle with cancer and the pain of watching her health decline. Kaitlyn played a pivotal role in her mother’s care in her final days, with June recalling how Anna would only take her medication when Kaitlyn helped administer it.
“She fought until the very end,” June’s daughter Lauryn ‘Pumpkin’ Efird shared, reflecting on Anna’s strength in her last moments. The family has been left grappling with grief, but Mama June’s recent custody win offers some relief amidst their mourning.
The custody decision marks a significant chapter for Mama June and her family as they continue to navigate the challenges of life after Anna’s passing.
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Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She’s a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word.