Mama June Shannon wins custody battle against Anna Cardwell's ex over granddaughter Kaitlyn

ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Mama June Shannon was granted permanent custody of her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Elizabeth, in the legal battle with Michael Cardwell, the ex-husband of her late daughter, Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell.

The court ruling, obtained by In Touch, was issued on Friday, September 20, solidifying Mama June’s role as the 11-year-old's primary guardian.

Judge grants Mama June Shannon full custody after Michael Cardwell's behavior raises concerns

According to court documents, a Georgia judge ruled that both legal and physical custody of Kaitlyn Elizabeth would remain with Mama June Shannon.

The ruling also stated that Michael Cardwell "will have no right to visitation as such, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties and the minor child."

This decision followed a July hearing where Kaitlyn expressed her desire to continue living with her grandmother. Kaitlyn’s therapist also testified, noting that the child was fearful of being separated from Mama June.

Michael had filed a petition seeking custody of Kaitlyn, claiming that the 11-year-old should not be separated from her younger sister, Kylee, 8, whom he shares with Anna.

He also stated that he had raised Kaitlyn as his own during his marriage to Anna, who died in December 2023 at the age of 29 from cancer.

However, the judge ultimately ruled that it was in Kaitlyn's best interest to remain with her grandmother.

Before Anna’s death, Kaitlyn had already moved in with Mama June, and the two had formed a close bond.

Mama June filed her own petition for custody, citing concerns about Kaitlyn's well-being in Michael's care.

Mama June Shannon accused Michael Cardwell of abuse 

In her court filings, Mama June Shannon accused Michael Cardwell of being physically abusive toward Anna Cardwell and Kaitlyn Elizabeth and noted that "it would not be in the child’s best interests to be in [Michael’s] care and control."

Michael, however, denied the allegations.

His lawyer, Donald Lewis Roberts, stated, "Michael denies these allegations. This is the first time that any of these allegations have been made against him. He and Anna had a great relationship when they were married and simply separated due to differences in opinions and personalities."

Roberts further noted that Michael and Anna had maintained a civil relationship post-divorce, working together for the sake of their children.

The court ultimately sided with Mama June, determining that she was the best person to care for Kaitlyn.

The judge highlighted that while Michael had been involved in Kaitlyn's upbringing, he "never provided any significant financial support for this child."

This comes amid other family issues, as Mama June’s third daughter, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird, is currently going through a divorce from her husband, Josh Efird.

Despite the challenges, Mama June remains focused on providing a stable environment for Kaitlyn following the loss of her mother.