Severely disabled mother wins visitation rights

Abbie Dorn lives with her parents in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. STORY HIGHLIGHTSBrain-damaged woman can see her triplets five days each summer, judge rulesJudge also rules for a monthly Skype call Abbie Dorn's parents, former husband disagree over her condition Los Angeles (CNN) -- A California judge ruled Friday that a woman who suffered severe brain damage during the birth of her triplets must be granted visitation rights to see them.[IMG=http://thuevathue.com/img/entries/villa_paya_paya_by_aboday_architect_squ110.jpg].

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Frederick C. Shaller rejected the contention of Abbie Dorn's former husband that it is not in his children's best interest to see their "unfit" mother now.

Shaller said in his temporary order that Dorn, who lives with her parents in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, must be able to see the triplets, who turn 5 in June, over five consecutive days each summer. The order also provides for a monthly online visit via Skype.

"This is a precedent-setting case," said attorney Lisa Helfend Meyer, who represented Dorn's parents. "This is only a win-win for everybody."

The ruling is technically considered temporary, pending a full trial in the case.

Abbie Dorn suffered severe brain damage during childbirth in 2006.

Her parents and former husband, Daniel Dorn, become locked in a legal battle over whether Abbie is capable of interacting with her children, and whether they should visit her.

Daniel Dorn stated in court documents he wants the children to see their mother when they are older, perhaps 6 or 7 -- if he receives medical evidence that she will be able to communicate with them.

But Shaller ruled Friday that Abbie Dorn poses no threat to the children and smiles at times.

After a visit the children made to South Carolina, Daniel Dorn gave them a photo of their mother.

"They held onto the photograph for a prolonged time," the judge wrote. "It appears that even though the children were with their mother only a short period of time, they bonded with her."

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Posted in: disabled,mother,rights,Severely,visitation