You would THINK that your own kids would automatically be under your own custody.
But one family in Michigan is learning it isn’t always that easy.
They never cold have imagined the legal battle they were about to ensue.
Tammy and Jordan Myers are going into a legal battle for their own biological children this month.
It’s hard to comprehend any parent would have to go through something like this of their own children.
While it may seem strange that a couple would have to fight for custody of their own children, the circumstances around it complicate things.
The Myers had decided to use a surrogate after hormone-positive breast cancer but her at high risk during pregnancy.
Due to laws in their home state, things got weird – fast.
In Michigan, surrogacy is way more complicated than in other states.
“While each state’s laws differ, many states will use the concept of “marital presumption” when a child is born: The surrogate will be assumed to be the legal mother of the baby and, if she’s married, her husband will be assumed to be the legal father. Obviously, this isn’t the case in surrogacy, so it’s important that you know as soon as possible what you’ll need to do to establish your parental rights.” – American Surrogacy
The laws in Michigan essentially force couples who choose to use a surrogate to adopt their own children!
It isn’t an easy process, either.
Like any other adoption, it requires background checks, home inspections, and more, all to gain custody of your OWN biological children!
The battle isn’t against the surrogate mother, it’s actually against the state!
The Myers’ surrogate, Lauren, has been by their side as the twins have been living in the Myers house.
The couple was in the process of working on the adoption when the twins were born prematurely, throwing the entire operation into chaos.
For some odd reason, the state refused to recognize Jordan as the father and was forcing the couple to go through a full conventional adoption.
No county court was willing to issue parental rights, forcing them to fight legally for their own children.
At this point, their babies are about to have their first birthday, showing just how long this journey has been for the couple.
Even now the couple is fighting for the right to legally parent their kids.
Thankfully, they met their surrogate through a family friend, making the process a lot easier.
It seems that Lauren, the surrogate, has been helpful the entire time.
From what it looks like, she may even be living with the couple to help with legal requirements!
While they aren’t sure what the future looks like, they are exhausted and ready to move on.
After over a year of fighting, they are ready to move on.
Do they have regrets?
No, they don’t, but they are thankful they are already in the midst of the journey or they may not have started it in the first place.
At least they can look forward to having their twins safe in their arms soon enough.
Watch below to learn more of these parent’s unique and frustrating battle!
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