Angela Johnson’s vow to win back her daughter is hitting a massive wall. Contrary to initial calculations when Todd and Julie Chrisley were incarcerated, the couple’s sudden freedom has completely flipped the script, pushing the biological mother into a highly disadvantaged position in this drawn-out legal battle.
Chloe’s Tumultuous Journey
Born in 2012, Chloe is the daughter of Angela Johnson and Kyle Chrisley (Todd’s son). However, her childhood was quickly entangled in adult troubles. In 2016, Kyle spiraled into drug addiction and lost custody, forcing Angela and grandfather Todd Chrisley to share guardianship.
The legal scales, however, tipped heavily in favor of the Chrisley family that same year. Angela ran into legal trouble when she was arrested on allegations of filing a fraudulent Medicaid application. Although she later pleaded guilty and avoided prison time, this mistake came at a steep price: Todd and Julie Chrisley won sole custody. Even more notably, they went through the process to legally adopt Chloe. Under the law, Todd and Julie are her legal parents.
A Glimmer of Hope from the Chrisleys’ Prison Sentence
The battle seemed settled until a massive upheaval struck the reality TV family: Todd and Julie were sentenced to federal prison for bank fraud and tax evasion. While they served their sentences, temporary guardianship was handed over to Savannah Chrisley (Todd’s eldest daughter).
Seeing a golden opportunity with the custodial parents behind bars, Angela—currently living in South Carolina—quickly took action. She stated that she had been working with a team of lawyers for years to prepare to win back full custody. Angela also criticized the Chrisley family’s constant moves from Atlanta to Tennessee, claiming it created a “jurisdictional nightmare” that caused countless hurdles in her quest to get her daughter back.
The Pardon Shockwave: Is There a Way Out for the Biological Mother?
All of Angela’s efforts and calculations were officially hit with cold water in May 2025. An unexpected turning point occurred: Todd and Julie Chrisley were granted full pardons by President Donald Trump. The couple’s release, far earlier than their original sentences (Todd had received 12 years, Julie 7 years), extinguished any leverage Angela intended to use.
Currently, the Chrisleys’ legal custodial status is completely intact. According to legal assessments, Angela’s chances of turning the tide in court are incredibly slim due to three core factors:
- The absolute legality of the adoption: Todd and Julie are not just guardians; they are Chloe’s legal parents. Courts rarely reverse a finalized adoption.
- Angela’s past record: Her 2016 fraud conviction remains a major detriment when courts consider fitness for custody.
- The child’s stability: The legal system heavily prioritizes a stable living environment for a minor. The fact that Chloe has grown up and bonded deeply with the Chrisley family since she was a toddler is an undeniable advantage for Todd and Julie.
Angela Johnson’s fight to win back Chloe is a journey steeped in a mother’s love, yet fraught with brutal obstacles. Now, with the Chrisleys’ legal storms behind them, the door for Angela to reunite with her daughter as a legal guardian seems to be shutting completely.