Custody - Dannielynn Hope Marshall Stern
A custody hearing was conducted on April 13, 2007 to determine the custody of Anna Nicole Smith and Larry Birkhead’s baby, Dannielynn. The Court had unfortunately adjourned without a decision, and will resume in one week’s time.
Despite this delay, Howard K. Stern reported that Mr. Birkhead is already doing a great job of changing his daughter’s diapers, and the transition of parenthood has already begun.
Mr. Birkhead does not find it necessary to share custody, he stated “It would imply that I’m unfit as a parent, which I’m not”, “I’m looking forward to giving Dannielynn everything that she needs and all the love and support.” “She’s got lots of toys and a nursery ready for her, and she’s got everything she’s going to need”, “All I have to do is just give her the love.”
Mr. Birkhead further stated on NBC’s “Today” show, “We might go from one fight to another, but I’m hoping that’s not the case because, you know, there’s only one dad, and I have no problem with anyone that has good intentions being allowed to visit the baby and see the baby and be a part of the baby’s life.”
Confusingly, it was reported that Ms. Smith’s mother, Virgie Arthur, is in the midst of arranging for visitation in an unofficial meeting between her attorney, Debra Rose, Esq., and Mr. Birkhead’s attorney. It has also been recently reported, she may be seeking custody and/or joint legal custody despite prior reports that she was not. Ms. Arthur allegedly stated if talks fail, she will continue her legal bid for joint custody.
As previously reported, Howard K. Stern is supporting Larry Birkhead. He stated he is going to do whatever he can to make sure that Mr. Birkhead gets sole custody.
Additional support comes from The Fatherhood Educational Institute (“FEI”), a charity dedicated to promoting positive fatherhood involvement. FEI President Emeritus, Jeffery Leving stated “Larry Birkhead is the biological father and should be awarded sole custody of his daughter immediately.” “His rights as a father continue to be delayed at the expense of his daughter. This child needs parental involvement now.” To date, media reports have indicated that the only stable influence in Dannielynn’s life has been a nanny, and the biological father’s influences are tantamount to the development of a child.
See: http://www.playfuls.com/news_0006688_Larry_Birkhead_Almost_A_Fulltime_Dad_.html; http://www.forbes.com/prnewswire/feeds/prnewswire/2007/04/13/prnewswire200704131834PR_NEWS_B_NET_DC_DCF090.html
Bookmark: 
