Amber Portwood has released a heartrending statement after losing custody of her four-year-old son James. A court ruling granted her ex Andrew Glennon sole legal and physical custody of their child.
Amber Portwood Claims She 'Did Everything' The Judge Ordered Her To Do
The Teen Mom OG star, 32, has now closed the comments on her Instagram page - but not before replying to a fan and claiming her "son will suffer." Portwood also claims she did "everything the court told her to do" to have permanent custody of her son. In a separate statement provided to Us Weekly, Portwood said: "I've worked so hard to better myself and improve my relationships with my children. While I've always been candid about my past substance abuse and struggles with mental illness, a person should have the chance to redeem themselves and not be tethered to their problems from the past," the reality told the publication.
"I've spent years rebuilding bridges and did everything that was required of me, including submitting 21 negative drug tests and undergoing multiple psychological evaluations, if your road has not been perfect, but you've worked hard to become a better, more stable and caring person today, keep moving forward as I will. I'll never stop fighting for my children who I love more than anything," she added.
Amber Portwood's Ex Will Move Their Son From Indiana To California
Portwood's statement comes after an Indianapolis judge granted her ex partner Andrew Glennon sole legal and primary physical custody of their child. The judge also approved 38-year-old Glennon's request to move his infant son James from Amber's home state of Indiana to his family home in California. However, the judge ordered Glennon to "seek out and consider the mother's opinion before making any major decisions relating to the child's medical treatment, education and religion."
Portwood and Glennon were both ordered to undergo monthly drug screenings for the next six months. Portwood also has to "participate in individual counseling with the counselor of her selection and follow any recommendations made by the counselor." In a small win for the Marriage Boot Camp star, the court agreed that Portwood can have overnight visits with James for the first time since 2019. The new arrangement will begin with three days a month of visitation for Portwood alternating between California and Indiana.
Amber Portwood Has A Lengthy Criminal Rap Sheet
Portwood and Glennon's custofy battle began in July 2019, after the mom-of-two was arrested. She was charged with two counts of domestic battery and one count of criminal recklessness with a deadly weapon after allegedly assaulting Glennon while he was holding their son James. In October 2019, Portwood pled guilty to two felony charges of domestic battery and intimidation. She was sentenced to 906 days of probation and ordered to take 26 weeks of parenting classes.
Amber Portwood's Ex Gary Shirley Testified In Her Favor
Former 16 and Pregnant and pregnant star Portwood began dating Glennon began in 2017. She welcomed James in May 2018. Amber is also mother to 13-year-old daughter Leah Leann, whom she shares with her ex Gary Shirley, 35. Shirley has physical custody of Leah and spoke in favor of his ex retaining full custody of her son in court.
