Many parents in Missouri and across the country believe that a strong relationship with both parents is in the best interest of the children, facilitated by a 50/50 custody arrangement. However, there are certain circumstances that would necessitate a different arrangement. In fact, a judge in another state recently awarded retired NBA player, Matt Barnes, sole physical and legal child custody of his two children.
At issue in the case was Barnes’ children with his ex-wife, their 10-year-old twins. Their mother, Gloria Govan, was reportedly arrested in late August and charged with child endangerment after some sort of conflict between Barnes and Govan that reportedly occurred at the boys’ school. Barnes was then awarded sole custody of his children.
Additionally, he was granted a restraining order against Govan lasting 18 months; the order will not prevent her from seeing the two boys. She was also ordered to attend parenting and anger management classes. The couple originally split in 2014 after two years of marriage. Their divorce was settled in Dec. 2016. Representatives for the two did not respond to a request for comment, but Barnes did post a picture of himself on social media with his legal team.
Many parents and courts in Missouri recognize the importance of parents having equal access to their children. However, in cases of drug abuse or endangerment, an alternate child custody arrangement may become necessary. If such a situation should arise, a parent likely wants an experienced attorney who is willing to fight on his or her behalf, as well as on the behalf of the children involved, to ensure that the best interests of the children are being met.
