OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Supreme Court says a lesbian woman who helped raise her partner's two biological children is entitled to a court hearing on her claim for parental rights and what is in the best interest of the children, now ages 6 and 7.
The court issued its ruling on Wednesday, overturning a decision by a Canadian County judge who had dismissed the woman's claim for parental rights.
Julie Eldredge filed the case against her partner, Karen Taylor. The couple had entered into a civil union in New Zealand in 2005 and had co-parenting agreements in place for each child.
In a ruling without dissent, the Supreme Court returned the case to the Canadian County court with instructions for the court to consider the best interests of the children.