Amber Portwood and Gary Shirley’s coparenting relationship has taken a turn for the worse.
“For a long time, they had a great relationship and considered each other to be extended family,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly. “But now, it’s getting rocky again.”
Us Weekly has learned the Teen Mom: The Next Chapter stars are filming a new season of the MTV show and not seeing eye-to-eye when it comes to child support.
“He’s claiming that Amber has not paid child support for years and he may want to take her to court for back payments,” the source explained to Us. “Because their relationship was so long ago, Gary and Amber never set up formal protocols for payments.”
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Fans met Shirley, 38, and Portwood, 34, during MTV’s 16 and Pregnant. Cameras rolled as the couple welcomed their daughter Leah in 2008. After the couple broke up in 2010, Shirley eventually became the primary parent with Leah living with him the majority of the time.
Despite Shirley’s recent allegations, a source close to Portwood said she has been paying child support.
“Amber has given him cashier’s checks and cash over the years every time she was supposed to. She has some receipts,” the insider explained to Us. “She’s been open with her struggles, and it’s devastating this is happening with the father of her child.”
Us Weekly has reached out to MTV as well as Portwood and Shirley’s teams for comment. The network has yet to officially announce a new season of Teen Mom.
In previous episodes, viewers have witnessed Leah’s strained relationship with her mom. On a July episode, Shirley claimed his daughter had expressed interest in being adopted by stepmom Kristina Shirley.
“Trust me, the best thing that ever happened to Leah was Kristina,” Shirley told his costars during a guy’s cast trip to Michigan. “Kristina is a loving parent, and Leah’s wanting to be adopted by Kristina.”
One month later, Teen Mom documented Portwood reuniting with her daughter at a family BBQ after seven months apart.
“I want to start doing this more often if we can,” Portwood told Shirley and his family. “I’d love to spend more time with you [Leah] and all of you guys. I love you guys. I love you, butthead, and I miss you.”
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Despite any drama, a source explained to Us that Portwood is hopeful that her coparenting relationship with Shirley can improve for the whole family’s sake.
“She’s worked so hard to overcome her challenges,” the insider explained, “and she’s hoping things can turn around with Gary.”
With reporting by Andrea Simpson
