Jack Avery Opposed Visitation Request in Custody Case
The father filed a legal response to prevent visitation between his daughter and her mother, Gabbie Gonzalez.
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 filing follows the arrest of Gabbie Gonzalez for an alleged murder-for-hire plot.
Why it matters
Avery argues that a current protective order prohibiting contact must be upheld to maintain the stability of his daughter. He further contends that the visitation bid is an attempt to disrupt the proceedings ahead of the upcoming trial.
The child at the center of the dispute is seven years old. A judge previously denied a parenting time request for Gonzalez in July 2026.
The players
Jack Avery
He is the father of Lavender Avery and the petitioner seeking to maintain custody and current protective orders.
Gabbie Gonzalez
She is the mother of the child who was arrested for an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting Avery.
Lavender Avery
She is the seven-year-old daughter currently caught in the custody dispute between her parents.
Alexis Abner
She is a supporting witness who filed a declaration with the court regarding the child's circumstances.
Shelly Woodcox
She is a supporting witness who provided a declaration to the court in support of Avery's custody position.
The details
Jack Avery submitted court documents to block the visitation attempts, supported by declarations from Alexis Abner and Shelly Woodcox regarding the well-being of the child. Gabbie Gonzalez remains subject to a criminal protective order following her arrest on charges she has pleaded not guilty to.
Timeline
May 2026: Gabbie Gonzalez was arrested for an alleged murder-for-hire plot.
July 2026: A judge denied a previous request for parenting time.
October 20, 2026: The custody case trial is scheduled to begin.
October 21, 2026: The custody case trial is scheduled to conclude.
Culture Shift
This dispute highlights the complex intersection of criminal protective order protocols and family court custody proceedings. It illustrates how parental rights are often curtailed when one party faces severe criminal allegations.
This case demonstrates how legal protections and criminal charges directly dictate the timeline and access rights for parents in custody disputes. Families navigating similar situations often find their daily routines and visitation schedules heavily reliant on court-mandated restrictions.
The takeaway
Custody disputes involving active criminal cases often result in prolonged court involvement to ensure the safety and stability of the child. Parents involved in high-conflict litigation should focus on adhering to judicial orders to support the child's well-being.
What happens next
The custody case is scheduled for trial on October 20 and 21, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal standards for visitation, visit the Child Care section.
