Winning her Malawi adoption appeal, Madonna is expected to reunite with 3-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James next week, her lawyer confirms.
- Jun 13, 2009
AceShowbiz - "I am ecstatic," Madonna said in a statement upon hearing news that her appeal to adopt 3-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James from Malawi has been approved by the African country's highest court on Friday, June 12. "My family and I look forward to sharing our lives with her," added the pop superstar.
Regarding the good news, Madonna's lawyer Alan Chinula told Associated Press, "It's the wee hours of morning in New York, but she is excited at the news. As her lawyer, I am happy that this has settled this contentious issue." Alan continued revealing, "Madonna and Mercy should be together by Wednesday [next week]."
As of press time, Alan has said he is working on to get Mercy her passport which could take several days. He, moreover, has been waiting words from Madonna on when she will travel the little girl to join her family. Mercy herself reportedly has been transferred to the Kumbali lodge, a location where Madonna resides when she stays in Malawi.
Madonna initially filed a legal request to adopt Mercy in April. But, her adoption bid was rejected by a lower court due to the fact that she had not spent enough time in the country, which is one of the requirements someone must fulfill if he or she wants to adopt.
However, Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo who issued the Friday's court ruling slammed "old laws" that prevented Madonna's first adoption attempts. Lovemore cited Madonna's love, determination, and "income tax returns" as the reasons for her winning the adoption appeal.
"The matter of residence should be determined at the time of application of the adoption," Lovemore said. "In this case, Madonna was in Malawi not by chance but by intention. She is looking after several orphans whose welfare depends on her. She can therefore not be described as a sojourner."
