Ep 12. Boykin vs. Gulley

In season 6 episode 12 of Paternity Court titled "Boykin vs. Gulley," Judge Lauren Lake presides over a case between a young mother, Tanaya Boykin, and her ex-boyfriend, Keith Gulley. Boykin brings Gulley to court seeking a paternity test for their 4-year-old daughter, Raniyah.

The case begins with Boykin sharing her version of the relationship with Gulley. She claims that they were in a committed relationship for a few months before she found out she was pregnant. Boykin states that she informed Gulley of the pregnancy, but he never showed any interest in supporting her and their child.

On the other hand, Gulley disputes Boykin's account of their relationship. He asserts that they had a casual fling and that he was not aware of her pregnancy until after the baby was born. According to Gulley, he did not receive any messages or calls from Boykin during her pregnancy, and he found out about Raniyah through a Facebook post.

The tension between Boykin and Gulley is palpable in the courtroom. Boykin is emotional and angry, and she repeatedly accuses Gulley of lying about their relationship. Gulley, on the other hand, is defensive and dismissive of Boykin's claims. Judge Lake tries to diffuse the hostility between the two parties and urges them to focus on the facts of the case.

The first witness to testify is Boykin's mother, who confirms that Boykin told Gulley about the pregnancy in person. She recalls that Gulley was initially excited about the news and promised to be there for Boykin and the baby. However, his attitude changed after a few weeks, and he stopped communicating with Boykin.

Next, Gulley's aunt takes the stand. She testifies that she was present when Gulley received the Facebook message informing him of Raniyah's birth. She states that Gulley was shocked and saddened by the news and did not know how to respond.

Finally, the DNA test results are revealed. Judge Lake announces that Gulley is the biological father of Raniyah with a 99.99% probability. Boykin is relieved and overjoyed by the confirmation, while Gulley remains stoic and unemotional.

In her ruling, Judge Lake orders Gulley to begin paying child support for Raniyah immediately. She also advises him to take an active role in his daughter's life and encourages Boykin to facilitate a healthy co-parenting relationship with Gulley for Raniyah's sake.

Overall, "Boykin vs. Gulley" is a tense and dramatic episode of Paternity Court that showcases the emotional toll that paternity disputes can have on families. Judge Lake's compassionate and fair ruling highlights the importance of establishing biological parentage and encourages parents to prioritize their children's wellbeing above their personal grievances.