Boseman-Jarrell custody battle heads to state Supreme Court

The North Carolina Supreme Court has agreed to hear the child custody case between State Sen. Julia Boseman and her ex-partner Melissa Jarrell.

Jarrell carried and delivered their son Jacob about five years ago, and Boseman legally adopted him. After Boseman and Jarrell separated, Jarrell tried to get sole custody, arguing that Boseman’s adoption was invalid because same-sex couples cannot adopt in North Carolina.

A New Hanover County judge ruled in Boseman’s favor, saying North Carolina laws do not preclude same sex couples from adopting. An appeals court agreed that the adoption is valid.

Boseman and her attorney told WWAY by phone this afternoon they’re confident the Supreme Court will uphold the lower court’s decision.

Jarrell’s attorney said the fact that the Supreme Court even agreed to hear the case is an encouraging sign. He thinks there’s a likelihood the decision will be reversed.