A new chapter in the long and painful custody saga surrounding Jenelle Evans’ teenage son Jace is unfolding, and it sounds like his grandmother, Barbara Evans, isn’t backing down — even after an initial setback in court.
According to newly surfaced legal documents obtained by TMZ on Monday, Barbara made a swift move to try to regain control of the situation. Basically, she reportedly rushed to a North Carolina court back on Friday and filed a motion seeking full custody of 16-year-old Jace, who is currently staying at a mental health treatment facility following a troubling situation that unfolded last month.
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Sources say the filing was submitted without Jenelle’s knowledge. And then almost as quickly as it was filed, it was reportedly denied by a judge — at least for now.
Still, if anyone thought that decision would slow Barbara down, it appears they were mistaken. Speaking to TMZ on Monday, the longtime Teen Mom figure made it clear she views the denial as only a temporary hurdle. Barbara said:
“It doesn’t matter that it was denied, because I’m going to court on March 23rd for a temporary custody hearing. The evidence will be presented then.”
In other words, the real fight may just be beginning.
Barbara also indicated that Jace’s father, Andrew Lewis, is expected to participate in the upcoming hearing and will present evidence of his own as the court weighs what is best for the teenager moving forward.
As we’ve been reporting, this whole situation started after an incident at Barbara’s North Carolina home back in February. Cops responded to officials have described as a “troubled teen disturbance,” sending multiple officers to the residence where Jace had been living with his grandmother. Exactly what sparked the disturbance still hasn’t been publicly detailed, but the situation was serious enough that Jace was eventually placed in a mental health facility where he is now receiving treatment.
For followers of this family’s long and turbulent history, the latest development feels painfully familiar. Jace has spent much of his life at the center of custody disputes, with Barbara previously raising him for years before custody returned to Jenelle. Now, with the teen in crisis, the focus is once again shifting to what environment will truly provide Jace with stability and support.
One thing seems certain: the legal battle over his future is far from finished. The March 23 hearing could be a critical moment in deciding what comes next.
For now, a family already marked by years of turmoil is bracing for another round in court. Sending love and light…
