Jack Avery Opposed Visitation Request in Custody Case
A father has filed a legal response to prevent visitation, citing a standing protective order for his seven-year-old daughter.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Child Care
Jack Avery has formally opposed a request for visitation and video calls involving his seven-year-old daughter, Lavender. The move follows ongoing legal proceedings regarding a criminal protective order against the child's mother, Gabbie Gonzalez.
Why it matters
The legal dispute centers on the safety and stability of the child, with the father arguing that the active protective order bars contact. This filing marks a significant development ahead of the upcoming custody trial scheduled for October.
The upcoming custody trial is set to span two days in October 2026. This follows a previous denial of parenting time by a judge in July 2026.
The players
Jack Avery
A parent involved in a high-stakes custody dispute currently navigating the legal system to protect his seven-year-old daughter.
Gabbie Gonzalez
The mother of the child who faces serious criminal allegations and a protective order restricting contact with her daughter.
Alexis Abner
A witness who has filed a formal declaration with the court to provide supporting testimony regarding the family's situation.
Shelly Woodcox
A witness who submitted a declaration to the court, offering insight into the welfare of the seven-year-old child involved.
The details
Jack Avery submitted court documents to block the visitation request, asserting that his daughter is currently stable and that the request disrupts the path toward the custody trial. Alexis Abner and Shelly Woodcox have provided declarations to the court in support of this position. Gabbie Gonzalez remains subject to a criminal protective order following her arrest in May 2026 for an alleged murder-for-hire plot, to which she has pleaded not guilty.
Timeline
May 2026: Gabbie Gonzalez was arrested for an alleged murder-for-hire plot.
July 2026: A judge denied a request for parenting time.
October 20, 2026: The custody case trial begins.
October 21, 2026: The custody case trial concludes.
The Home Front
This dispute continues the judicial trajectory established by the court's July 2026 ruling. These proceedings reflect the high complexity often involved in child custody cases when criminal protective orders overlap with domestic family law.
Families navigating court-ordered custody schedules should keep copies of all active protective orders and legal filings in a secure, accessible location. Consult with a licensed family law attorney to understand how local jurisdiction laws might affect your specific custody documentation.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of maintaining clear, documented communication within the court system during custody disputes. Parents and guardians should ensure all relevant declarations and orders are filed timely with the court clerk to protect the child's well-being.
Further reading
For more information on the complexities of family legal arrangements, visit the Child Care section.
