Andrew Glennon’s son is James Andrew Glennon, born on May 8, 2018, to Andrew Glennon and reality television personality Amber Portwood. Following an extensive legal process in Indiana, Andrew Glennon was granted sole legal and primary physical custody of James in July 2022. The court ruling authorized Glennon to relocate with his son to Malibu, California, while granting Portwood structured visitation rights.
Background and Parentage: Who Is James Andrew Glennon?
James Andrew Glennon entered the public eye due to the high profile of his parents, particularly his mother, Amber Portwood, who gained national recognition as a cast member on MTV’s reality television series 16 and Pregnant and its long-running spin-off, Teen Mom OG.
Andrew Glennon, a California native working in film production and cinematography, met Portwood in mid-2017. At the time, Portwood was participating in the filming of WE tv’s Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars in Los Angeles alongside her former partner, Matt Baier. Glennon was part of the production crew working behind the scenes. Following the conclusion of the show's production, Glennon and Portwood began a relationship, leading Glennon to move from California to Indiana to reside with Portwood.
James was born in Indiana on May 8, 2018. He is the first child for Andrew Glennon and the second child for Amber Portwood, who has an older daughter, Leah Leann Shirley (born November 2008), with her former partner Gary Shirley.
- Andrew Glennon + Amber Portwood
- James Andrew Glennon (Born: May 8, 2018)
In the early months following James’s birth, the family appeared frequently on Teen Mom OG, documenting their household life in the Indianapolis suburban area. However, domestic friction behind the scenes culminated in legal proceedings that drastically reshaped the family structure.
The 2019 Domestic Incident and Initial Legal Action
The trajectories of Andrew Glennon, Amber Portwood, and their young son changed significantly following an incident on the night of July 5, 2019, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
According to public police records and court filings, emergency responders were dispatched to the couple's home following a domestic disturbance. Reports stated that an argument escalated while Glennon was holding the couple's 14-month-old son. Law enforcement officers subsequently arrested Portwood.
Criminal Charges and Restraining Orders
Following the arrest, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office filed formal criminal charges against Portwood:
- Domestic Battery (Level 6 Felony)
- Domestic Battery committed in the presence of a child less than 16 years old (Level 6 Felony)
- Reckless Criminal Mischief (Class B Misdemeanor)
Immediately following the arrest, an emergency protective order (no-contact order) was issued by the court, restricting Portwood from contacting Glennon or approaching the residence. Because James was present during the incident, initial temporary custody arrangements placed the child exclusively under the care of Andrew Glennon while criminal proceedings moved forward.
In October 2019, Portwood entered into a plea agreement to resolve the criminal charges. She pled guilty to one count of domestic battery as a Level 6 felony. Under the terms of the plea deal, she was sentenced to two and a half years of probation, required to complete a 26-week batterer's intervention program, and subjected to random drug screens. Upon successful completion of probation, the felony charge was eligible for alternative misdemeanor sentencing.
The Indiana Family Court Custody Dispute (2019–2022)
With the criminal case resolved via probation, the legal focus shifted entirely to the Marion County Circuit Court (Family Division) in Indiana, where Andrew Glennon and Amber Portwood engaged in a three-year battle regarding legal custody, physical custody, parenting schedules, and relocation permissions.
Core Arguments Presented by the Parties
Throughout the family court proceedings, both parents presented distinct arguments regarding the long-term upbringing of James:
- Andrew Glennon's Position: Glennon petitioned for sole legal and primary physical custody. He cited concerns regarding stability, emotional safety, and past domestic violence incidents. Furthermore, Glennon requested formal permission from the court to relocate with James to his family's property in Malibu, California. He argued that returning to California would afford James a superior support system, including proximity to extended family, better financial opportunities, and a tranquil environment away from media scrutiny.
- Amber Portwood's Position: Portwood opposed the relocation request and sought joint legal custody or increased physical custody within Indiana. Her legal team argued that moving James to California—over 2,000 miles away—would severely impede her ability to maintain a meaningful parent-child relationship and hinder routine visitation. She contended that she had complied with all court-mandated probation terms, completed anger management courses, and maintained steady mental health treatment.
Role of Court-Appointed Experts
To assist the judge in determining the best interests of the child, the court appointed a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) and ordered comprehensive psychological evaluations of both parents. Over several years, the GAL conducted interviews, reviewed home environments, evaluated interaction dynamics between each parent and James, and submitted formal recommendations to the court.
Key areas evaluated by court officers included:
- The emotional stability and parenting capability of each parent.
- The child's adjustment to home, school, and community environments.
- The willingness of each parent to facilitate a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent.
- The feasibility and impact of relocation on the child's developmental needs.
The July 2022 Court Ruling and Relocation Decision
In July 2022, following trial testimony, expert evaluations, and evidence submission, Indiana Special Judge Steven R. Eichholtz issued a comprehensive, written decree resolving the custody and relocation dispute.
| July 2022 Court Decision | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Sole Legal Custody | Andrew Glennon |
| Primary Physical Custody | Andrew Glennon |
| Primary Residence Allowed | Malibu, California |
| Secondary Parenting Time / Visitation | Amber Portwood (Unsupervised) |
Key Findings of the Ruling
The court ruled in favor of Andrew Glennon on all primary issues:
- Sole Legal Custody: Andrew Glennon was awarded sole legal custody of James. This status grants Glennon the authority to make major decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, religious training, and overall welfare without requiring mutual agreement from Portwood.
- Primary Physical Custody: Glennon was awarded primary physical custody, establishing that James would reside primarily with his father.
- Approval of Relocation: The court granted Glennon’s petition to relocate with James from Indiana to Malibu, California. The judge concluded that the move was made in good faith and served the best interest of the child, providing access to extended family support and stable residential infrastructure.
Parenting Time and Visitation Framework for Amber Portwood
While the court granted Glennon’s request to relocate, it did not sever Portwood’s parental rights. Instead, the court established a structured, unsupervised visitation schedule tailored to accommodate the geographical distance between California and Indiana.
The visitation order incorporated the following requirements:
- Phased Transition Schedule: The court instituted a phased approach to overnight stays to allow James to adjust smoothly to travel and long-distance visitation.
- Alternating Holidays and Breaks: Portwood was awarded designated parenting time during major school holidays, winter breaks, spring breaks, and portions of summer vacations.
- Travel Logistics and Costs: The order established specific protocols regarding travel arrangements. Because Glennon initiated the relocation, the court assigned proportional responsibilities for transportation expenses and transit logistics between California and Indiana.
- Communication Access: Glennon was mandated to facilitate regular phone calls and video communications (such as FaceTime) between James and Portwood during non-visitation periods.
Custody Overview and Key Milestones
The table below summarizes the key legal events and custody decisions concerning Andrew Glennon and his son, James.
| Year / Period | Event / Legal Proceeding | Primary Outcome or Court Mandate |
|---|---|---|
| May 2018 | Birth of James Andrew Glennon | Born in Indiana to Andrew Glennon and Amber Portwood. |
| July 2019 | Domestic Incident in Indianapolis | Portwood arrested; emergency protective order issued; Glennon granted temporary custody. |
| October 2019 | Resolution of Criminal Case | Portwood enters guilty plea to Level 6 felony domestic battery; sentenced to 2.5 years probation. |
| 2019–2022 | Family Court Custody Dispute | Multi-year evaluation involving Guardians ad Litem, drug tests, and parenting assessments in Indiana court. |
| July 2022 | Final Custody & Relocation Decree | Andrew Glennon granted sole legal custody, primary physical custody, and permission to relocate to California. |
| Post-2022 | Implementation of Long-Distance Co-Parenting | James moves to Malibu, California; Portwood exercises structured, unsupervised visitation under court schedule. |
Life in California and Co-Parenting Dynamics
Following the court’s decision in July 2022, Andrew Glennon relocated with James to his family's property in Malibu, California.
Since relocating, Glennon has largely step back from public television appearances, choosing to maintain a private lifestyle while raising James on the West Coast. Public updates regarding James are infrequent, primarily appearing through selective social media posts by his parents or during occasional updates on television broadcasts where Portwood discusses her co-parenting experiences.
Public Statements and Reactions
Following the 2022 court decision, both parents issued public statements:
- Amber Portwood expressed deep dissatisfaction with the court's decision to allow her son to move to California, stating publicly that she felt devastated by the distance but remained committed to exercising every available day of her court-ordered visitation.
- Andrew Glennon focused his public statements on gratitude for the court's thorough review, stating that his priority remained providing a peaceful, secure, and nurturing environment for James.
Navigating Long-Distance Parenting Guidelines
Managing custody across state lines requires strict adherence to state family laws and interstate agreements. The legal framework governing James's custody arrangement falls under the Interstate Compact mechanisms and the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which ensures that state courts honor and enforce custody orders across state lines.
Under standard family law frameworks for long-distance arrangements, key elements typically include:
- Fixed Travel Itineraries: Detailed flight bookings, designated accompanying adults for travel, and precise drop-off/pick-up locations.
- Uninterrupted Electronic Contact: Mandated weekly video calls to foster consistent contact between non-custodial parents and children.
- Emergency Notifications: Immediate notification requirements regarding medical care, educational updates, or urgent physical welfare matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full name and age of Andrew Glennon's son?
Andrew Glennon's son is named James Andrew Glennon. He was born on May 8, 2018.
Who has legal and physical custody of Andrew Glennon's son?
Andrew Glennon holds sole legal custody and primary physical custody of James Andrew Glennon, as awarded by an Indiana family court judge in July 2022.
Where does Andrew Glennon's son currently live?
James Andrew Glennon resides in Malibu, California, with his father, Andrew Glennon, following court authorization in 2022 to relocate from Indiana.
Does Amber Portwood have visitation rights with James?
Yes. The Indiana family court granted Amber Portwood unsupervised visitation rights, which include designated holiday periods, parts of summer vacations, and regular video calls, coordinated around long-distance travel schedules.
How did Andrew Glennon and Amber Portwood meet?
Andrew Glennon and Amber Portwood met in mid-2017 while Portwood was filming the reality series Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars in Los Angeles. Glennon was working as part of the technical production crew on the show.
Practical Takeaways on Interstate Family Law Rulings
The custody proceedings involving Andrew Glennon and his son highlight several important aspects of modern family law, particularly regarding parental relocation and high-conflict custody disputes:
- Best Interest of the Child Standard: Family courts prioritize the child's safety, stability, and emotional development above the preferences of either parent.
- Relocation Burden of Proof: When a custodial parent seeks to relocate out-of-state, courts evaluate whether the move is made in good faith and whether the benefits to the child outweigh the disruption to non-custodial visitation.
- Role of Professional Evaluations: Neutral third-party assessments, such as those conducted by Guardians ad Litem and licensed psychologists, carry heavy evidentiary weight in contested custody cases.
Families navigating complex interstate custody arrangements should consult qualified family law attorneys within their specific jurisdiction to understand local court procedures, interstate custody laws, and legal relocation requirements.
