03/04/2026
I recently represented D.M., the mother of a five-year-old child, in a difficult interstate custody case.
In September 2025, a Philadelphia court order awarded the child’s father sole legal and physical custody. D.M. had no knowledge of the custody proceedings and had never been properly served with the father’s filings.
After D.M. contacted my office, I immediately investigated the matter and discovered clear evidence that the father had never properly served her. Under normal circumstances, this lack of service should have resulted in the September 2025 custody order being vacated.
Despite presenting this evidence, two separate Philadelphia judges declined to vacate the order or grant emergency relief, which created a very difficult situation for D.M. and her child.
Meanwhile, the father began posting on social media that the child was missing and contacting police, which caused significant stress for D.M.
After carefully reviewing the jurisdictional issues, I advised D.M. to pursue custody proceedings in Kentucky, where she had been living for more than a year. We presented proof of her residency through her driver’s license, employment records, and mail.
The Kentucky court granted D.M. full custody of the child. Following a conference between the Kentucky judge and the Philadelphia judge, the Philadelphia court vacated its prior custody orders.
This case required persistence. Despite significant obstacles in the Philadelphia court system, I continued working with counsel in Kentucky to ensure that D.M.’s rights were protected.
Today, D.M. and her child are able to live peacefully together.
