The Custody Fight for Kyra

Bag of Bones

This flow traces Maxwell William Devore’s effort to take Kyra from Mattie and the legal and personal resistance that follows.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Grandfather’s Claim A Grandfather’s Claim from "Bag of Bones". A New Custody Threat Maxwell William Devore returns to the TR after Lance dies and begins pursuing access to Kyra Elizabeth Devore.

A Grandfather’s Claim from "Bag of Bones". A New Custody Threat Maxwell William Devore returns to the TR after Lance dies and begins pursuing access to Kyra Elizabeth Devore.

A New Custody Threat Maxwell William Devore returns to the TR after Lance dies and begins pursuing access to Kyra Elizabeth Devore. A Carefully Managed Welcome Mattie permits visits partly so Kyra can know her father’s family, despite the history of coercive offers and estrangement. Significance A relationship that seems conciliatory becomes the opening for a campaign to remove the child from her mother.

Visits End Visits End from "Bag of Bones". A Mother’s Alarm Mattie becomes increasingly fearful when Kyra returns from visits unsettled and burdened with new presents and rhyming games.

Visits End from "Bag of Bones". A Mother’s Alarm Mattie becomes increasingly fearful when Kyra returns from visits unsettled and burdened with new presents and rhyming games.

A Mother’s Alarm Mattie becomes increasingly fearful when Kyra returns from visits unsettled and burdened with new presents and rhyming games. Drawing a Boundary She stops the visits, prompting threats and pressure from Maxwell’s circle. Significance Mattie’s protective decision exposes her to isolation and financial retaliation but clarifies what she is willing to defend.

Michael Joins the Defense Michael Joins the Defense from "Bag of Bones". Help Made Practical After serving as a witness, Michael hires John Storrow to help Mattie contest the custody case.

Michael Joins the Defense from "Bag of Bones". Help Made Practical After serving as a witness, Michael hires John Storrow to help Mattie contest the custody case.

Help Made Practical After serving as a witness, Michael hires John Storrow to help Mattie contest the custody case. Unequal Resources Storrow identifies the danger of Maxwell’s wealth, a court-appointed guardian, and the vulnerable legal position of a poor young mother. Significance Michael’s money and attention give Mattie access to representation she could not otherwise afford.

The Case Loses Its Center The Case Loses Its Center from "Bag of Bones". The Plaintiff Disappears Maxwell dies before the custody hearing, apparently ending the immediate legal contest.

The Case Loses Its Center from "Bag of Bones". The Plaintiff Disappears Maxwell dies before the custody hearing, apparently ending the immediate legal contest.

The Plaintiff Disappears Maxwell dies before the custody hearing, apparently ending the immediate legal contest. A Conditional Inheritance His will offers Mattie money only if she remains in the TR for a year, keeping the family bound to the place. Significance The legal threat changes form rather than simply vanishing, and Mattie’s future remains subject to Maxwell’s posthumous control.

Guardianship After Loss Guardianship After Loss from "Bag of Bones". A Slower Courtroom After Mattie’s death, Michael seeks to adopt Kyra and struggles with the delays of the Maine system.

Guardianship After Loss from "Bag of Bones". A Slower Courtroom After Mattie’s death, Michael seeks to adopt Kyra and struggles with the delays of the Maine system.

A Slower Courtroom After Mattie’s death, Michael seeks to adopt Kyra and struggles with the delays of the Maine system. A Child’s Choice Kyra repeatedly tells officials she wants to live with Michael, while he works to provide a stable home. Significance The custody story outlasts its original legal adversary and becomes a test of whether chosen family can be recognized by institutions.

After Lance Devore’s death in 1997

Spring 1998

July 1998, after Kyra’s highway rescue

July 1998, after Maxwell’s death

Autumn 1998 through Christmas