A judge who let an 11-year-old boy sue for "divorce" from his parents has opened the door to youngsters with gripes about their families.
Some hailed the ruling as a major stride in children's rights, but a lawyer for the boy's biological mother said it could allow kids to sue parents over minor problems.Circuit Judge Thomas S. Kirk on Thursday gave the boy - identified only as Gregory K. - the right to seek freedom from his parents so he can be adopted by the foster family with whom he has lived for the past nine months.
Gregory says his parents have neglected and abused him. His lawsuit says he has spent most of the past eight years in the custody of his father, foster parents or the state, which he says failed to represent his interests.
Jerri Blair, the lawyer who sued on behalf of the boy, said it was the first such ruling nationwide.
"It opens the door a little bit wider for kids to have control of their lives, especially abused kids," said Karen Adams, national coordinator of the National Child Rights Alliance.
The hearing dealt only with the issue of whether the boy, as a minor in the custody of the state, can bring a lawsuit.