Friday, January 27, 2006
Bizzare UPDATE On Father's Battle
Mom doesn't want him, and dad can't have him
Two judges, half-dozen lawyers sort through issues
BY SHARON COOLIDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
A Hamilton County Juvenile Court judge Thursday ordered the mother of a 7-week-old baby boy to assume custody of him, even though she gave the child up for adoption last month and told officials that she does not want the infant.
The order is the latest legal step in a battle between the father, who wants custody, and the unwilling mother.
The father, Glenn Spraggs, was caring for his son Thursday while the Department of Jobs and Family Services evaluates the mother, Sharicka Watson.
Judge Thomas Lipps denied Spraggs custody, saying he must prove paternity because the couple never married. That must be done through the Department of Jobs and Family Services and could take up to three months.
"Three months is a long time," Spraggs, 22, of Northside, said. "I don't know what can happen in that time."
Watson has said twice that she does not want the child.
First, she gave baby Thomas up for adoption without telling Spraggs.
Then, Adoption Link Inc. of Yellow Springs, Ohio, gave the baby back to her Wednesday, and she called Spraggs to come and get their son. When he didn't get there fast enough, she called child protective services, according to statements made in court Thursday.
Two judges, half-dozen lawyers sort through issues
BY SHARON COOLIDGE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
A Hamilton County Juvenile Court judge Thursday ordered the mother of a 7-week-old baby boy to assume custody of him, even though she gave the child up for adoption last month and told officials that she does not want the infant.
The order is the latest legal step in a battle between the father, who wants custody, and the unwilling mother.
The father, Glenn Spraggs, was caring for his son Thursday while the Department of Jobs and Family Services evaluates the mother, Sharicka Watson.
Judge Thomas Lipps denied Spraggs custody, saying he must prove paternity because the couple never married. That must be done through the Department of Jobs and Family Services and could take up to three months.
"Three months is a long time," Spraggs, 22, of Northside, said. "I don't know what can happen in that time."
Watson has said twice that she does not want the child.
First, she gave baby Thomas up for adoption without telling Spraggs.
Then, Adoption Link Inc. of Yellow Springs, Ohio, gave the baby back to her Wednesday, and she called Spraggs to come and get their son. When he didn't get there fast enough, she called child protective services, according to statements made in court Thursday.
# posted by Senior Mom @ 8:08 PM 
