The Duggars Hires Lawyer Over Custody Loss Of Great Nephew, 15

The “19 Kids and Counting” alums Jim Bob and his wife Michelle have taken their custody battle up a notch after giving up guardianship of their underaged great nephew by hiring a lawyer. The couple has been the legal guardians of their great-nephew Tyler Wayne Hutchins since 2016.

Tyler’s mother Rachel Hutchins is the daughter of Michelle’s sister Caroline Hutchins. It was previously reported that Rachel who was unable to take care of him handed him over to her parents John and Carol Hutchins. The court documents revealed that she “entrusted Tyler to the care and control of the Petitioners.”

“Furthermore, Rachel is presently unable to meet Tyler’s health, safety, and other needs. Ms. Hutchins is unemployed, has no income lacks any means of transportation, and is currently on probation.”

The documents also read, “The Petitioners have the means and commitment to provide a stable and secure home environment for Tyler, and they respectfully petition this court to appoint them as Tyler’s guardians.” As for Tyler’s father, there is no record of him on his birth certificate.

Counting On — On The Custody Battle Between The Duggars And The Hutchins

According to the U.S. Sun, the Duggars agreed to give up being Tyler’s legal guardian in September 2023. However, Tyler’s grandparents Carol and John obtained another attorney for the case.

They are being represented by Travis W. Story, Esq. Attorney at Law, while Jim Bob and Michelle are being represented by Robert A. Ballinger and Katie L. Freeman of Story Law Firm, PLLC.

The Hutchins, who had “Physical control and custody” of Tyler, 15, from August 2015 to June 2016, filed the lawsuit after Jim Bob, 58, and Mitchell, 57 gave up custody in June 2023.

The court documents obtained by the outlet read: “Petitioners have physical control and custody of the minor child and have acted as caregivers for the minor child since June 5 of this year.

The Petitioners, husband and wife, are legally qualified to serve as guardians of said person. The Petitioners believe that they are the fit and proper persons to provide for the care and welfare of Tyler. They are requesting that they be the appointed guardians.”

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Counting On right now. Come back here often for all the Counting On’s spoilers, news, and updates.