Teen Mom Star Amber Portwood Releases Statement After Losing Custody Of Son
Teen Mom star Amber Portwood has spoken out after she lost custody of her four-year-old son James in a court battle against her ex-partner, Andrew Glennon.
A judge in Indiana has ruled that James will be able to relocate to his father’s home which he shares with his mum in Malibu, California.
Andrew, 38, currently lives with James in a property in Indiana owned by Portwood, 32.
The court battle began in 2019 following the couple’s split after the 16 & Pregnant alum was arrested for domestic violence against Andrew.
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After three long years, the court has granted Andrew primary physical custody of James while ordering that he must get Portwood’s permission before making ‘major decisions’ relating to their son’s medical treatment, education and religion, The Sun reports.
Portwood has not had overnight visitation with James since the domestic violence incident three years ago.
The dad was first granted primary physical custody after Portwood’s arrest for domestic violence in July 2019.
However, she has been granted overnight stays every month with her son in California and Indiana under the new custody arrangement.
The judge has also ordered both Andrew and Portwood have to submit to monthly drug screens for the next three months.
Cinematographer James spoke out after the ruling in an interview with E! News, saying: “We endured the nightmare. Now we get to live the dream.”
Portwood, who also shares her 13-year-old daughter Leah with her ex Gary Shirley, released her own statement after the case concluded.
She told E! News: “A person should have the chance to redeem themselves and not be tethered to their problems from the past.
“I’ll never stop fighting for my children who I love more than anything,” she added.
The reality TV star has been open about her mental health and past substance abuse struggles during her MTV stint.
She was cast in 16 and Pregnant in 2009, which documented her pregnancy with her first child, Leah.
An episode that aired in 2010 documented Portwood’s domestic violence against her partner Gary and she was eventually charged and pleaded guilty to two felony counts of domestic battery.
Amber was given a suspended sentence of two years by a judge in addition to two years parole.
However, Amber’s legal troubles did not end there. After violating her parole for a third time, she was sentenced to five years in prison but was ultimately released for good behaviour in December 2013.
Amber went on to star in Teen Mom or each of the show’s for four seasons between 2009 and 2012.
She then went on to appear as a main cast member in Teen Mom OG and most recently starred in the ninth season which wrapped in November 2021.
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