The judge has ruled in the custody case for child in the Belcher-Perkins Case. After listening to testimony and at least one expert witness, the judge decided that the cousin of the child's mother should have permanent custody. He felt that both the paternal grandmother and the cousin would be good guardians but the cousin was better.
He also stated all those involved should remain involved in the child's life. However, it's not clear from the news report whether this is formally in the Order. If it is not, I foresee lots of trouble ahead. If there is no Order to at least allow the other family members -- especially Jovan Belcher's -- access to the child, the cousin can simply deny any and all acess. One hopes she won't do that. However, it happens far too often in contested custody cases. If one person has all the control over access, then they go power hungry.
This is more likely in this family considering the cousin will have to put aside her personal feelings about the family of the man who murdered her cousin. I hope she can for the child's sake. The child needs to know both sides of her family -- regardless of the circumstances that led to her being orphaned.
The other good news in the case is that no family member controls the very large trust fund. A corporate trust company is managing the funds. This will ensure (hopefully) that there is money left when the child turns 18. And reduces the need to control access over money fights.
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