Shutterstock; Courtesy Amber Portwood/Instagram; MEGA
Amber Portwood and Andrew Glennon’s Custody Battle Over Son James: Terms, Statements, More
Teen Mom OG alum Amber Portwood and ex Andrew Glennon’s bitter custody battle came to an end when the cinematographer was granted full custody of their son, James Andrew, in July 2022. However, the exes are back in court after Andrew filed a new petition for custody. Keep reading for everything we know about the custody ruling.
Why Did Amber Portwood and Andrew Glennon Split?
The Portwood AF founder was arrested and charged with two counts of domestic battery and one count of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon after striking Andrew while he was holding their son in July 2019. It was later revealed that the So, You’re Crazy Too? author used a machete to try to break into the room where Andrew and James were hiding.
Amber was ultimately sentenced to 906 days of probation and required to take 26 weeks of parenting classes after pleading guilty, but the couple’s relationship never recovered.
Andrew Glennon Was Granted Full Custody of James
An Indiana judge awarded Andrew sole legal and primary physical custody over the former couple’s 5-year-old son, allowing the father-son duo to relocate to California, according to court documents obtained by The Sun.
While James has been primarily in Andrew’s care, the judge ordered that Andrew must “seek out and consider the mother’s opinion before making any major decisions relating to the child’s medical treatment, education and religion.”
The Never Too Late author was granted overnight visits with James each month which will alternate between California and Indiana, the outlet reported.
What Have Amber and Andrew Said About Custody?
Following the judge’s ruling, the mother of two opened up about the decision.
“A person should have the chance to redeem themselves,” she told Us Weekly in July 2022. “I’ve worked so hard to better myself and improve my relationships with my children. While I’ve always been candid about my past substance abuse and struggles with mental illness, a person should … not be tethered to their problems from the past.”
Amber continued, “I’ve spent years rebuilding bridges and did everything that was required of me, including submitting 21 negative drug tests and undergoing multiple psychological evaluations. If your road has not been perfect, but you’ve worked hard to become a better, more stable and caring person today, keep moving forward as I will.”
“I’ll never stop fighting for my children who I love more than anything,” she concluded.
The following day, Amber took to social media to thank her followers adding that she is “devastated and heartbroken by this outcome.”
“I’ve been living in a nightmare for so long, trying to prove myself. I wouldn’t wish this unbearable pain on any mother or father,” she added in her lengthy Instagram post.
For his part, a normally private Andrew spoke out after winning the custody battle, telling E! News, “We endured the nightmare. Now we get to live the dream.”
Amber’s MTV costars showed their support for the Indiana native, including Leah Messer who told Page Six, “Amber is a very strong woman that doesn’t give up easily and she never will.”
Briana DeJesus chimed in saying, “It’s a tough time right now. But if she continues to stay strong and keep her head held high, she will be able to conquer anything in life.”
Andrew Glennon Files Motion to Suspend Amber’s Visitation
On May 26, 2023, the California native filed a motion to suspend Amber’s visitation rights with their son. While the motive of Andrew’s filing remains unclear, the date of filing was just one day before the 16 & Pregnant alum shared a video from her visit to California.
Amber subsequently filed a motion asking the judge to dismiss Andrew’s request. She also asked that Andrew be ordered to pay her attorney’s fees. Amber’s motion was denied, and the former couple appeared in court in Indiana on Thursday, June 29, with Andrew appearing virtually.
According to court records viewed by In Touch, “Testimony and evidence were received, and the matter recessed for the conclusion of testimony and evidence.” They are due back in court on Wednesday, July 5.
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