Did Mama June: Family Crisis star June Shannon lose custody of granddaughter Kaitlyn? Details explored

A legal battle regarding the custody of Kaitlyn, the daughter of the deceased Anna Cardwell, was highlighted in the recent episode of Mama June: Family Crisis. The subject was also brought up during several interviews with late Anna's mother, June Shannon. The case featured June, and Michael Cardwell, Anna's former husband. The latter pursued primary custody of Kaitlyn even though he is not her biological father.

The matter was taken to court, where a Georgia judge ruled in September 2024 that June would retain both legal and physical custody. As a result, June did not lose custody of her granddaughter.

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June's custody battle overview on Mama June: Family Crisis

In the 100th episode of Mama June: Family Crisis, June Shannon discussed the legal proceedings with Michael in detail. Speaking in a confessional, she said:

“Let me explain the court case to y’all. It is Michael, Anna’s ex, versus myself for custody of Kaitlyn.”

June clarified that while Anna wished for Kaitlyn to remain with family, this was never documented. She mentioned that Michael is not Kaitlyn's biological father; however, due to his financial contribution towards some of her educational costs, a "new Georgia law" permitted him to pursue custody based on equity of care.

At home, June and her husband, Justin Stroud, prepared Kaitlyn for court. June informed Kaitlyn that the court appearance would take place the next morning, which prompted Kaitlyn to express that she felt nervous about the unexpected timing. In her Mama June: Family Crisis confessional, Kaitlyn said the situation "sucks" and admitted she was unsure about what would happen next.

June expressed concern about how the hearing might unfold, saying:

“I really ain’t ready to deal with Michael’s dumba** s***. But I know he’s going to bring up my freaking past.”

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Final court decision in 2024

The legal case concluded on September 20, 2024, with the judge issuing an order in June’s favor. Based on court documents June Shannon referenced during an interview with In Touch Weekly on June 2, 2025, the decision stated that “legal and physical custody of the minor child is to remain with [Mama June]." The verdict further noted that "[Michael] will have no right to visitation as such, unless otherwise agreed to by the parties and the minor child.”

Reflecting on the process, June shared that the case placed pressure on the family.

“It was a difficult time because, like, it was kind of, like, hard for us to deal with it on the same thing, but also, like, putting her through that,” she told In Touch.

June added that the dispute could have been resolved more easily without going to court. She said she wished everyone would "just sit down" and talk things through, as she believed the situation did not need to escalate into a legal battle and could have been handled in a civil manner.

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Current update on Kaitlyn’s living situation

Following the custody ruling, Kaitlyn remains under June’s care. In the same In Touch Weekly interview, June mentioned that Kaitlyn had started attending a new school three months earlier and that they had recently moved into a "new house."

Previously on December 12, 2024, the Mama June: Family Crisis star exclusively told People magazine that Kaitlyn had been living with them since Anna’s passing.

“Kaitlyn’s been here for over a year now because they lived in the house where Anna passed away and she’s getting adjusted.”

Meanwhile, Michael has custody of Kylee, his biological daughter with Anna. Kaitlyn’s biological father has not been identified publicly.

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Stream Mama June: Family Crisis anytime on Peacock.