Mom Wrestled Her 15-Year-Old Son Down — Dad Fights For Custody!

In this #FamilyCourt hearing before Judge Nick Thornton of the Richland County District Court, Brandon Hackey asks the court to change the existing custody arrangement and award him primary residential responsibility for his 15-year-old son, Aiden. The case, Courtney Evanson v. Brandon Hackey, involves serious disagreements over the child's living arrangements, school stability, parenting responsibilities, and allegations of domestic violence. Brandon's attorney argues that Aiden experienced frequent moves, attended multiple schools, and lacked stability while living with his mother. He also raises concerns about an alleged incident in September 2025, claiming that Courtney physically hurt Aiden after the teenager expressed a desire to live with his father. These claims are disputed by Courtney. Brandon explains that Aiden has been living with his relatives in Richland County since September 2025. He says the arrangement was made with his involvement and that he continues to make major decisions for his son. His attorney argues that Aiden has found stability in his current school, participates in sports and other activities, and has support from his father's family. Courtney strongly disagrees with the father's account. She tells the court that she raised Aiden for most of his life and argues that Brandon had limited involvement in his upbringing. She explains that some of her moves were connected to education, employment, and seeking better opportunities. She also disputes the allegations surrounding the September 2025 incident and says she has been trying to regain contact with her son. The hearing also involves testimony from family members, questions about the child's current living arrangement, a guardian ad litem's recommendations, and disagreements over child support. Brandon requests primary residential responsibility, sole decision-making authority, and supervised parenting time for Courtney. The guardian ad litem's recommendations are discussed as part of the evidence. Judge Nick Thornton hears testimony from both sides and explains that further legal briefing is needed on the child support issue. The judge does not issue a final decision on the custody modification during this hearing. Instead, the parties and the state are directed to submit written closing arguments and legal briefs by December 3, 2026, after which the court will take the matter under advisement. This #ChildCustody case highlights the difficult questions courts face when deciding a child's best interests, including stability, parental involvement, family relationships, and allegations that must be carefully considered through evidence. #JudgeNickThornton #RichlandCountyDistrictCourt #CourtneyEvanson #BrandonHackey #familycourt #childcustody #custodybattles #CustodyHearing #familylaw #courtroomdrama #NorthDakotaCourt Disclaimer This video is presented for commentary, educational, and documentary purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not represent a judgment about either parent's character, intentions, or parenting ability. Statements made by the parents, attorneys, witnesses, and other participants may include allegations, personal accounts, or disputed claims. Such statements should not automatically be treated as proven facts. This hearing before Judge Nick Thornton of the Richland County District Court concerns a motion to modify residential responsibility and related child support issues. The court heard testimony and arguments but did not issue a final custody ruling during this hearing. The parties were directed to submit written closing arguments and briefs by December 3, 2026. If you are involved in a family law matter, consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.