Duggars Claim Nephew Purchased $8.5K Vehicle While In Their Care

Court documents have surfaced regarding Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar‘s nephew, Tyler Hutchins. The couple lost custody of Tyler this past June, and are now providing a detailed account of the 15-year-old’s financial estate.

Custody Timeline

In 2015, Tyler’s mother, Rachel, was deemed unfit to continue caring for her young son. At the time she was unemployed, homeless, and battling legal issues. Her mother, Carolyn, initially took custody of Tyler and maintained that status for a year. Unfortunately, in July 2016, she began to experience health issues that ultimately culminated in her suffering a stroke.

With Rachel still facing legal dilemmas and Carolyn now struggling with her health, Jim Bob and Michelle stepped in to assume guardianship. In November 2016, the Duggars were granted permanent guardianship. For the past seven years, Tyler has been viewed as the 20th Duggar child.

Many fans assumed that the Duggars would eventually adopt their great-nephew, and were shocked to find that they signed over custody to his grandmother earlier this year.

Speculation Regarding Loss of Custody

The timing of Tyler leaving the Duggars’ home has sparked a lot of discussion among fans. Most agree that it is odd that the Duggars had him for so long only to sign custody back over to his grandmother. It is noteworthy to point out that Hutchins left the Duggars’ home just three days after the documentary Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets aired on Amazon Prime.

While this could be a coincidence, the majority think that it may be a largely contributing factor in the couple’s decision to relinquish custody. The Duggars were not painted in the best light in this tell-all, so the theory is not much of a stretch.

Tyler’s grandmother, Carolyn, was questioned about the reason for the change in guardianship, however, she declined to comment.

Accounting of Hutchins’ Financial Estate

In an Accounting by Guardian report, specifics regarding Tyler Hutchins’ finances have been detailed. The report date spans the time period of November 17, 2022, to October 31, 2023. In total, his assets are listed at $231.64, in addition to a purchase the Duggars claim Tyler made of a vehicle. The vehicle in question is listed as a 2007 Chevy Duramax that the teen purchased for $8,500.

The documents state:

James R. Duggar and Michelle A. Duggar have not used the minor’s property or obtained any benefit from the minor’s estate during the referenced time period, and said funds have grown to the amount stated above as net value of the estate.

Like Father Like Nephew?

Fans of the mega-TV family know that the family is big on thrifting. A major motto that they share is “Buy used, save the difference.” Another big thing for the Duggars? Learning a trade or creating an income source. From a young age, the Duggar boys are taught various ways that they can begin to earn a living. The purpose for men to be the providers in the family and want to set that foundation early on.

While some are suspicious about the purchase of the vehicle, others are on the train of thought that Tyler was also being taught the family business. In many episodes of the family’s shows, viewers saw Jim Bob and his sons attend car auctions. They frequented them to purchase used vehicles at a low price to flip at a profit.

Do you think that Tyler was being taught this practice? How likely is it that he purchased the vehicle in preparation for being able to legally drive next year? What are your thoughts on his large purchase?