Joseph Duggar update: '19 Kids And Counting' star files new motion after row over contact with kids

Joseph Duggar faces court restrictions after release, while his lawyers seek clarity on visiting land near the alleged victim’s area.

Published on: May 22, 2026, 06:13:23 IST

By Shamik Banerjee

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TLC's '19 Kids And Counting' star Joseph Duggar has filed a new motion seeking changes to the condition of his pretrial release, People reported on Thursday. This is the second motion he has filed seeking an amendment after his lawyers told the court earlier this week that he is unable to talk to his children.

Joseph Duggar with his wife Kenda. (Instagram/ @littleduggarfamily)

Duggar was arrested in March after admitting to lewd and lascivious behavior with a child under 14 during a 2020 vacation in Florida.

However, the 31-year-old has entered a not guilty plea despite admitting his "intentions were not pure" over a phone call with a Bay County, Florida, sheriff's deputy and the victim's father.

He was arrested in Bay County, Florida, for two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior with a minor, and also back in his home state, Arkansas, for endangering the welfare of children. His wife, Kendra Duggar, was also charged in the second case. Joseph Duggar is now out of jail after posting a $600,000 bond. His trial has not yet been scheduled. Kendra Duggar, meanwhile, was released on the day of her arrest on a $1400 bond.

Also read: Kendra Duggar arrest row: Joseph Duggar's case takes massive turn after Zoom call; ‘I don’t care'

What His New Motions States

Even as he is released, Joseph Duggar has been placed under several-court imposed restrictions. It includes no contact with the victim or coming in proximity to her. Earlier this week, Duggar's attorneys filed a motion seeking clarification on the order, People reports.

Albert J Sauline III, the ex-TLC star's attorney, filed the motion in Florida asking if the order prevents Joseph Duggar from visiting a few land parcels he owns in the area where the alleged victim resides in Florida. The filing states that the modification is being sought because the victim and their family "have abandoned their residence, no longer residing at the previously listed address."

Also read; Who is Joseph Duggar? All on wife Kendra and their children amid reality TV star's arrest

Additionally, as part of the case in Arkansas where police found his children at their home in an endangered state, Duggar has been restricted from speaking to his children. He complained in a previous motion that he has not been able to contact his kids for 2 months.

He and Kendra Duggar face four counts of endangering the welfare of a minor in the second degree and four counts of false imprisonment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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