On September 12, 2007 at 9a.m., the Supreme Court of Kentucky, in the University of Kentucky’s College of Law courtroom, will hear oral arguments in two potential landmark cases involving parents and children. The first case involves a biological father’s right to seek custody of his infant son. The second case relates to whether a child may be placed in the custody of a “psychological†father rather than with the biological mother.
In the first case, on September 26, 2006, James G. Rhoades, Jr., of Tallahassee, Florida, filed a custody and visitation action against Julia N. Ricketts concerning their minor son, Julian Anthony Ricketts, born June 20, 2006. Julia Ricketts defended the case by claiming that her husband, Jonathan S. Ricketts, was the “legal†father despite DNA tests which prove that he is not the child’s father.
The DNA tests prove that James Rhoades is the child’s Father.
This Court case is likely to have a significant effect on the rights of fathers to seek custody of children.
Recently, the Kentucky Court of Appeals held that a biological father had the right to seek a declaration of paternity, as well as custody and visitation rights, in a similar case. See Boone v. Ballinger, http://opinions.kycourts.net
In the second case, the Court will decide whether a non-biological father figure may be awarded custody over the rights of the biological mother. In that case, Ren Hinshaw claims to be a “psychological†father and claims to have rights equal to that of a parent.
INTERVIEW REQUESTS & CONTACT INFORMATION
James G. Rhoades, Jr., and/or his counsel, John H. Helmers, Jr., of Helmers, Demuth, & Walton, PLC, are available for comment by appointment.
Requests for interviews should be made through Mrs. Carri Bowers at 502-581-0077 (office) 502-581-0078 (fax), or clb@hdwlawyers.com.
RELATED BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In order to provide additional information including copies of all Court documents, James G. Rhoades, Jr., has established a website at http://www.letmeseemyson.blogspot.com.
