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Abuse from parents is never an acceptable situation. Whether it is verbal, psychological or physical, abuse can be dangerous and detrimental to a minor. Now the question of whether Ariel Winter has been the victim of abuse at the hands of her mother is being debated in a recent guardianship dispute. Many in Florida know Winter as a teen actress on the television show Modern Family. She is now caught in the middle of a contentious dispute between her adult sister and her parents.
A court judge has decided to allow the teen star’s adult sister to remain her temporary guardian while allegations of abuse from her mother are being examined. The court gave control over of Winter’s finances to her father, which was part of a settlement agreed to by all those involved in the case. The 14-year-old actress claims she suffered physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her mother. The actress has been staying with her 34-year-old sister since the sister was given temporary guardianship in early October.
Authorities have reported that they discovered evidence of emotional abuse but have not found anything to suggest any physical abuse. The mother has denied the claim she was abusive towards her daughter. She has also filed several declarations from family friends that state they have never witnessed any abuse by the mother. The case is now set for a status conference in late March, according to reports by the authorities.
When a guardianship issue arises which involves abuse, a judge in Florida will have to decide what he or she believes is in the best interest of the child. However, the parent who is being accused of abuse will also have an opportunity to defend himself or herself in the court of law. In this particular case, whether or not the court believes the mother has been abusive will play a significant role in decisions regarding who will retain guardianship of the teen as well as control of her estate.