In a legal ruling, a lesbian woman, Nicole Junior, 43, has been mandated to permit her ex-wife, Chanel Glover, 41, to participate in co-parenting their baby, which was conceived through IVF.
Both parties contributed equally to the $30,000 cost of the treatment.
When Glover learned she was pregnant in January 2022 the couple, who lived together in Philadelphia and who are both trained attorneys, were excited about having a child together.
Junior assisted her wife with daily injections and accompanied her to numerous doctor’s appointments, as reported by the Philly Inquirer.
They jointly signed documents and contracts with the sperm bank and fertility clinic.
Junior was recognized as the ‘co-intended parent’ and participated in ‘second parent adoption,’ also assuming legal guardianship, as documented in court filings.
The couple enthusiastically chose their baby’s name, hosted a baby shower, and eagerly awaited the birth until marital issues arose.
Seeking therapeutic assistance, they drafted a ‘healthy co-parenting plan’ in case of divorce.
However, their relationship ended around five-and-a-half months into the pregnancy, with Junior relocating to Seattle for writing residencies.
Glover allegedly informed Junior that she intended to proceed as a single mother, a decision that devastated Junior.
Despite the marriage breakdown, Junior believed they would co-parent their child.
In the divorce proceedings, Junior petitioned the court to recognize her as a parent, while Glover accused Junior of emotional abuse, volatility, and impulsiveness, claims Junior refuted.
At a Family Court hearing in May 2022, the judge, Daniel Sulman, ruled in Junior’s favor, recognizing her as a legal parent with access to their son and naming her on the birth certificate.
Glover appealed, but following an emergency C-section, their son was born, with Junior learning of the birth through flowers sent from her office.
In December 2023, the Pennsylvania Superior Court upheld Junior’s co-parental rights, citing ‘intent-based parentage’ and emphasizing the couple’s mutual intent to conceive and raise the child.
Helen Casale, a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, praised the decision, anticipating its positive impact on LGBT clients.
Glover, distraught by the ruling, has appealed to Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court.
If unsuccessful, custody hearings will ensue.
Junior refuted Glover’s assertions of absence, emphasizing her desire to participate in her son’s life from the outset.
#aprokovibesng