Judge orders DHHS to place 16-year-old Hannah Hallowell and daughter Amaya with grandmother Sharon Cook; denies Nefflers' guardianship petition

A judge in Lenawee County Probate & Juvenile Court on March 6 ordered the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to place 16‑year‑old Hannah Hallowell and her 3‑year‑old daughter, Amaya Hallowell, in the home of maternal grandmother Sharon Cook and denied a pending guardianship petition filed by Jeremy and Laurie Neffler.

The court’s ruling keeps both minors under the juvenile court’s jurisdiction and continues a no‑contact order barring Laurie Neffler from having contact with Hannah and Amaya, while declining to enter a no‑contact order against Jeremy Neffler.

Julie Wright, foster care supervisor for DHHS, told the court, “I believe the children are doing well. Hannah and Amaya have a great relationship. Hannah does very well as mom.” Wright said DHHS completed a home study for Sharon Cook and recommended placement there while the agency pursues any later guardianship steps.

Guardian ad litem Nicole Underwood, who represents Hannah, told the court she had met with Hannah and supported a…