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It’s another day in the world of the Teen Mom stars, and with it comes another custody battle. This time, Ryan Edwards and his ex, Mackenzie Standifer, are battling over custody of their two children, Jagger and Stella Edwards. The former couple were set to face off in court on July 8, but Ryan Edwards failed to appear. What exactly happened?

Ryan Edwards failed to appear for a custody court date

Ryan Edwards failed to attend a court hearing regarding his child custody battle on July 8, but it doesn’t sound like the mishap was all that serious in the grand scheme of things. While several outlets have suggested Standifer was awarded sole custody of the two children she shares with Edwards because he didn’t show up to court, that’s reportedly not the case. The Ashley Reality Roundup claims the hearing was for temporary custody agreements. Edwards’ decision not to show up wouldn’t have impacted the final custody arrangement, regardless.

Ryan Edwards on Teen Mom
Ryan Edwards on Teen Mom | MTV

According to the outlet, Standifer and Edwards are due in court for a hearing regarding a permanent custody arrangement in September. The most recent hearing was to address a temporary parenting plan. While Standifer has retained full custody for now, no actual judgment has been made. The hearing has been moved to July 22. Edwards reportedly missed the court date because he was given incorrect information from his lawyer. The troubled reality TV star allegedly didn’t know he had to appear. It is unclear where exactly he was instead.

‘Teen Mom’ fans have grown tired of Ryan Edwards’ odd bid for custody

While Edwards’ failure to appear in court wasn’t nearly as serious as some followers assumed, he still isn’t earning any points with the general public. Several Teen Mom fans have noted that Edwards’ child custody requests, including child support and alimony, from his soon-to-be ex-wife are absolutely ludicrous. They argue that the father of three is using court hearings and custody battles as a way to continue to control and traumatize Standifer.

Ryan Edwards and Mackenzie Standifer in 'Teen Mom'
Ryan Edwards and Mackenzie Standifer | MTV/YouTube

Edwards has a well-documented pattern of abusive behavior. According to a petition for an order of protection filed in 2023, Edwards has a long and terrifying history of domestic violence against Standifer. According to the filing, obtained by the U.S. Sun, Edwards threatened to take Standifer’s life. He also held a knife to her back, smashed her phone, and broke a bed she was lying in while they were still married. Standifer sought and was granted the order following a series of blowout fights stemming from Edwards’ substance abuse.

After he moved out of the marital home, Edwards returned to the property and trashed the house. He destroyed toys belonging to his children and scrawling threatening messages on the walls. The children have resided with Standifer since the split.

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Ryan Edwards Requests Custody and Child Support in Divorce Filing

Following a series of arrests, Edwards spent several months in a rehab facility and a sober living house. He has since moved into a home with his new girlfriend, Amanda Conner. Conner and Edwards met in rehab. Conner and Standifer have spent months trading barbs on social media.