Welcome to the Season 3 Premiere of Touched Out! 


On todays episode we welcome back our episode 1 guest, Kate! 

Kate returns to share the remarkable conclusion to her custody journey that defied the odds – she's now officially, legally Paige's mother. When twelve-year-old Paige made the brave decision not to return to her biological mother's home, Kate began navigating the complex legal system to provide her stepdaughter the stability she desperately needed. What followed was an emotional rollercoaster through affidavits, court orders, and tense conversations with biological parents who had largely stepped away from their parental roles.

In a system where less than 3% of non-birth parents gain full legal custody, Kate faced what seemed impossible. Her lawyer's tearful Sunday morning phone call delivering the news that the courts had recognized what Paige had known for years – Kate was her true mother – marks one of the most touching moments in Touched Out podcast history. Paige's reaction? "Mom, I need to poop" – proving that even in life's most profound moments, kids remain wonderfully, authentically themselves.

But Kate's story doesn't end there. She also shares her recent marriage to Kyle, whom Paige considers her real dad, and the unexpectedly emotional moment when her once-resistant stepdaughter broke down upon seeing Kate in her wedding dress.

It's a powerful reminder that family isn't defined by DNA but by who shows up consistently with love and support. Whether you're navigating stepparent adoption, feeling discouraged by family court proceedings, or simply need reassurance that love can triumph over bureaucracy, this follow-up episode delivers both happy tears and practical insights into how Kate became part of the 3%.

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