June “Mama June” Shannon, a reality TV personality, is embroiled in a custody dispute over her granddaughter, Kaitlyn, the eldest daughter of the late Anna “Chickadee” Cardwell.
Michael Cardwell, Anna’s ex-husband, has filed a lawsuit in Wilkinson County, Georgia, seeking custody of 11-year-old Kaitlyn.
This legal action, initiated on Sunday, December 17, 2023, follows the recent death of Anna Cardwell, known to fans as “Chickadee,” from cancer at the age of 29.
Cardwell, who is not Kaitlyn’s biological father, asserts that he has played a significant parental role in her life. He entered her life when she was just eight months old. Despite not being her biological father, he claims to have been a consistent presence in her upbringing.
He also states that he has taken on full and committed parental responsibilities, including paying for her education and forming a bonded relationship with her. He emphasizes that Anna supported and fostered his relationship with Kaitlyn even after their separation in 2017.
Cardwell notes that Kaitlyn’s biological father has never been involved in her life and refused a paternity test. The suit claims that the relationship between Mama June and Anna had been fraught and inconsistent throughout Anna’s life, which had ramifications on her involvement in Kaitlyn’s life.
Mama June has responded to the lawsuit, stating that she has not yet been served with legal papers but is prepared to face the challenge in court.
She asserts that Kaitlyn desires to stay with her and her husband, Justin Stroud, and that a change in custody would go against the child’s wishes. Mama June claims that Anna wanted Kaitlyn to live with her, and Michael was aware of this plan.
Cardwell, the biological father of Anna’s younger daughter, Kylee, has already gained custody of her following Anna’s passing.