Disclaimer: All facts gleaned from the filings stated hereafter are only as truthful as the petitioner. The tone of this article expresses a style of writing historically employed by America’s greatest writers and, as such, is for opinion purposes only. No intentional harm is due. Do not read if the topic of divorce (even your own) causes you emotional distress. Continue at your own risk.
Jamiela Shereece Ward’s case underscores a stark request for autonomy and protection, as she asks the City of St. Louis Family Court to dissolve her marriage to Samuel Raymond Holmes, a decision filed on November 5, 2024, with the counsel of Blair J. Pankratz of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. Ward claims that this marriage has reached a point of no return, describing it as irretrievably broken with no chance of revival. Her petition dives into the core issues: she asks the court to award her sole legal and physical custody of their minor child, asserting that unrestricted visitation with Holmes may pose a risk to the child’s physical and emotional well-being. She stresses the need for supervised visitation rights for the father to safeguard the child’s welfare.
Further complicating matters, Ward cites economic concerns, noting her limited means to provide for the child’s comprehensive healthcare needs, which include not only routine medical care but also essential dental, vision, and counseling services. She has requested child support from Holmes, arguing that he has both the capacity and responsibility to contribute to the child’s wellbeing. Beyond support for their child, Ward also asks for a fair division of marital assets and debts, suggesting either adherence to a marital separation agreement, should one exist, or an equitable distribution by the court.
Ward’s petition paints a vivid picture of a family at a crossroads, appealing to the court to prioritize both her financial stability and the ongoing care of their child as they navigate this significant transition.
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