Horribly Unique Grandparents Custody Dispute
Randy Kessler on Guardianship Ruling in Jared Bridegan Case
In a controversial decision, a Washington state court granted guardianship of Jared Bridegan’s 12-year-old twins to the parents of Shanna Gardner, Bridegan’s ex-wife and the accused mastermind behind his murder. This ruling, following a heated dispute with Bridegan’s parents, highlights the complexity of guardianship in high-stakes cases.
Family law expert Randy Kessler, speaking on Law & Crime’s Sidebar, explained the court’s focus on the children’s best interests. Judges often prioritize stability, opting to maintain a child’s current environment to avoid disruption, even amid allegations of alienation or misconduct. Kessler noted, “Judges hate custody decisions… because innocent lives are at stake.”
Kessler emphasized that, while Gardner remains innocent until proven guilty, the court’s decision balances the children’s current well-being against the potential harm of upheaval. The case highlights the challenges of family law when tragedy and criminal accusations collide.