On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Saturday, August 17, 2013.
While we tend to think of the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous, it is important to keep in mind that many of these celebrities also end up facing the same worries and fears that many of us do when it comes to family law issues.
Take for example the recent emergency hearing that was called by Usher’s ex-wife, Tameka Foster Raymond. She was seeking a child custody modification after her son became trapped underwater while in the care of his aunt.
According to a USA Today article, the 5-year-old boy was playing in the pool when he got stuck in the pool’s drain when trying to get a toy. The aunt and a maid both tried to free the boy, but were unsuccessful. It was not until two men working inside the home came out and were able to free the boy. Usher returned home at the same time his son was receiving CPR. He ended up riding with his son in the ambulance to the hospital.
The good news is that the boy did survive. However, after the incident his mother wanted the custody agreement to be changed.
During the testimony, Raymond admitted to not knowing where her children are and not knowing who is watching them. She also said she has never even seen the home they are staying at.
In this case, the judge ended up dismissing Raymond’s modification petition. This means Usher will continue to retain custody of his two sons.
For an Illinois father who is in the middle of a child custody battle, this case goes to show that it is possible for a father to be awarded primary child custody. In addition, it goes to show that it is possible to ask for a modification to an existing order. However, there should be good reason to ask for these changes.
This is where an attorney with experience handling modification requests can step in to see what a current order is and provide insight into the possibility of having that order changed.
Source: USA Today, “Usher wins courtroom custody battle,” Ann Oldenburg, Aug. 9, 2013
