Orange County Superior Court Commissioner Thomas Schulte ruled that celebrity mechanic and former Sandra Bullock hubby Jesse James is entitled to physical custody of daughter Sunny and can take her from California to his new home in Texas, according to the Long Beach Press-Telegram.
Six-year-old Sunny's mother, former porn actress Janine Lindemulder, was granted extended time with her daughter when the girl is on vacation from school. She had been granted shared physical and legal custody two years ago, but modified the order after she was convicted of tax evasion.
Richard Masson, Janine Lindemulder's attorney, asked the judge if he'd reconsider if his client also moved to Texas, prompting her to shout, "I'll move, I'll move!" Commissioner Thomas Schulte said he'd reconsider.
Child custody is not a simple process in Illinois or anywhere else, and is best handled by a skilled and experienced Illinois family law attorney. You can also visit FindLaw's extensive resources on the various types of child custody, how to modify it and related issues.
Per the ruling, Sunny will live with her mother in California beginning now until three days before school begins in Texas, which will be in mid-August.
Although Jesse James was granted physical custody of his daughter, both parents have legal custody. Legal custody refers to the right of a parent to make long-term decisions on behalf of a child, according to FindLaw. For example, a parent with legal custody can make decisions about a child's religious upbringing, medical care and education.
Commissioner Thomas Schulte said he granted physical custody to Jesse James because he had a stable income and that Janine Lindemulder was prone to making "poor decisions." The former porn actress said she is pursuing a career as a clown.
You can't make this stuff up.
Related Resources:
- Preference for the "Primary Caretaker" (FindLaw)
- Consult with a Divorce Attorney in Chicago (FindLaw)
- Janine Lindemulder v Jesse James Custody Battle, Starring Sandra Bullock (FindLaw Celebrity Justice Blog)
