When couples in New Jersey and across the country experience a divorce or a separation, child custody disputes can present some of the most emotionally stressful challenges. Currently, someone who understands these frustrations is Sherri Shepherd, a co-host of the television program “The View.”
Shepherd recently filed for divorce from her current estranged husband and she requested custody of her unborn child, who is being carried by a surrogate. Prior to this, the estranged husband filed for divorce and also attempted to file for custody of the unborn child.
Shepherd’s situation holds unique circumstances because the couple decided to use a surrogate when they chose to have a child. Now, they are fighting for custody of the unborn child, which might force court officials to make a decision in the best interests of the child before he or she is born. In addition, Shepherd is facing another custody battle involving her 9-year-old son from a previous relationship.
Shepherd’s ex-husband is seeking a child custody agreement modification that would involve relocation of the child to another state where he would live with his father, stepmother, and two half-siblings.
The attorney for the boy’s father believes that he lost primary custody in court because the court was “starstruck” by the presence of Shepherd during the decision. As a result, Shepherd was awarded primary custody, the attorney alleges. The attorney also claims that the best interests of the child would be best served if the child was given a “normal existence” instead of the luxurious, public one that he lives as a result of Shepherd’s lifestyle. However, Shepherd’s friends insist that, despite being in the public eye, she is a loving mom, devoted to her son’s best interests.
At this time, it is uncertain whether Shepherd will obtain primary custody of the children or whether joint child custody or shared child custody agreements will be explored.
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