Amber Portwood, known from MTV's Teen Mom OG , has faced significant custody challenges with her young son, James, born in 2018 to her ex-partner Andrew Glennon. The key events stem from a volatile 2019 domestic battery incident where Portwood was arrested after allegedly wielding a machete during an argument, leading to temporary loss of custody and a restraining order.

Custody Battle Timeline

Portwood's legal struggles with James unfolded over years, marked by court battles and personal turmoil.

  • 2019 Arrest : Glennon sought emergency sole custody after the machete incident; Portwood accepted a plea deal, completed probation, and a Batterer's Intervention Program by 2020.
  • 2022 Ruling : An Indiana judge granted Glennon primary physical and sole legal custody, allowing James's relocation to Malibu, California—Portwood called it "unbearable pain" but retains phased overnight visitations alternating between states.
  • Recent Co-Parenting Shift : By late 2024, Glennon reported improved communication for James's sake, a positive turn after years of bitterness.

This saga contrasts with Portwood's ongoing issues with daughter Leah (from ex Gary Shirley), where child support disputes have strained ties as of 2024–2025.

Current Status (as of early 2026)

James, now about 7–8 years old, lives primarily with Glennon in California. Portwood travels for visits, expressing heartbreak over distance—like a 2024 emotional post-visit breakdown—but notes progress in co-parenting. No major custody changes reported since 2022; she's focused on personal growth amid public scrutiny.

Public Reactions and Trending Views

Fans and forums buzz with sympathy, criticism, and speculation.

"Amber's been through therapy for years, but the judge still sided with Andrew—tough call for a mom fighting to prove herself." – Echoed in reality TV discussions.

  • Supporters : Praise her efforts (therapy, probation completion) and blame media sensationalism.
  • Critics : Highlight repeated incidents, questioning fitness as a parent; TikTok Lives in 2025 saw her defending against "abandonment" accusations.
  • Neutral Takes : Improved co-parenting with Glennon (unlike with Shirley) signals maturity; latest Instagram reflections (Nov 2025) emphasize her "pieces of love and pain."

Portwood's story resonates as a cautionary tale of fame, mental health, and redemption in celebrity parenting circles. TL;DR : Amber lost primary custody of son James to Andrew Glennon after a 2019 arrest and 2022 court ruling; he lives in California, with visits ongoing amid recently better co- parenting.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.