Empowering Clients To Make Informed, Intelligent Decisions

Personalized Attention, Experienced Counsel

Arrest brings child custody into question

On Behalf of | Mar 27, 2019 | Child Custody

There are a few reasons an Ohio parent can lose custody of a child, with child abuse being the number one. Substance abuse is also among the top reasons child custody is revoked. With the recent arrest of June Shannon, also known as Mama June to Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson, for drug possession, some wonder if it could affect the court’s position on the 13-year-old girl’s child custody status.

An attorney from Shannon’s home state says the arrest could definitely influence how the court determines the best interest of the girl, the main priority in a child custody case. Other factors do come into play, however, such as the relationship of the girl and her siblings in the home, how a custody change would emotionally affect the girl and how involved the mother is in the life of the girl. As far as legally known, this is just an isolated incident, and Alana may be receiving the best care possible in staying with her mother.

It has been reported that Alana’s father, Mike Thompson, currently can only see his daughter during times of visitation. He is hoping this arrest might not only allow him more time with her, but a possibility of the court reversing Shannon’s full custody status so that he could be named Alana’s guardian. It is the opinion of the attorney that not only would Shannon not lose custody, the state’s Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) would most likely not get involved unless Alana was proved to be adversely impacted by the arrest.

There are other factors the court may take into consideration when determining who should be given custody of a child. Once all information has been disclosed, the judge will make a non-biased child custody decision, according to what is best for the child. An Ohio attorney can advise a potential client about the parental rights as allowed under state law.

Photo of Craig P. Treneff and Andrea L. Cozza
FindLaw Network