A legal battle is brewing regarding custody of four-month-old Zoey Belcher, the daughter of Chiefs player Jovan Belcher who murdered Zoey’s mother, Kasandra Perkins before taking his own life. Zoey was initially given custody to Belcher’s mother, Cheryl Shepherd. Shepherd agreed to allow Zoey to temporarily go to Texas for her mother’s funeral with her maternal grandparents, , Rebecca Anne Gonzalez and Darryl Perkins, but the family has since cut off all communication with Shepard.
The maternal grandparents have filed a lawsuit seeking temporary custody, asking that her residence be in Tarrant County, Texas, and that a guardian ad litem be appointed to represent her best interests.
The maternal grandparents also have asked for a social study “into the circumstances and condition of the child and of the home of any person requesting” to care for the child.
A Fort Worth judge is scheduled for a hearing on that case Jan. 22.
There is also a large sum of money that is involved, according to reports, Zoey is entitled to over $1 million dollars.
Zoey’s estate or guardian will receive more than $1 million under terms of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, including $108,000 annually over the next four years, $48,000 in the fifth year and $52,000 each year until she turns 18. If she attends college, she can continue to receive that amount until age 23.
Money to care for Zoey also could come from a trust funded by the Hunt family, Chiefs coaches, players and employees, along with contributions from the public.
Also, Belcher’s beneficiary will receive $600,000 in life insurance, along with $200,000 for each credited season. Belcher was in his fourth season at the time of his death.
Ironic that one of the issues Belcher and Perkins were alleged to have were disputes revolving around money.
