Question K

[Jonetta]

Craig Vance planned to sue for custody of Luke and Kayla despite him never being in their lives or providing financial support. Do you think he might have been successful if they hadn’t exposed his criminal activities, even though Erin had designated Bree as their legal guardian?

[Robin]

Unfortunately (in this case), courts would probably take his custody suit seriously since he was the father. I think they said his name was on Kayla's birth certificate, but not on Lukes. A simple DNA test could prove if he was Luke's father. The court would question why he hasn't been in their lives previously, but I'm sure Craig could spin a good story. Him being a preacher would be a plus in the eyes of the court. Even though Erin had designated Bree as the kid's legal guardian, it would still be a fight for her to get custody.

[~Melissa~]

I believe they go with blood family first even though the mom wanted her sister to have custody. Would've been terrible if those kids ended up with him

[Jonetta]

I hate that the courts place so much weight on parental biology without giving equal weight to what’s truly in the best interest of the children. I’d think the express desire of the primary caretaker would be honored and the other biological parent forced to prove his or her case. Luke was old enough to choose but Kayla was not.

Attorneys always tell couples to try and work stuff out before going to court because you’re at the mercy of judges who are just following the law, not family dynamics. I’ve seen some disastrous rulings made by the courts.

[Sharon]

I was very angry with Vance. My first reaction was giving him custody would ruin those two kids. It didn't make sense that Craig even wanted the children. He didn't love them.