In a poignant courtroom moment, Scott Naso struggled to compose himself after a Rhode Island Family Court judge ruled decisively in his favour in a bitter custody battle with the parents of his deceased wife. This ruling, delivered on Thursday, April 23, arrived just one day shy of the second anniversary of his wife Shahrzad “Sherry” Naso’s passing from breast cancer.
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Immediately following the ruling, emotion overtook Naso as he embraced members of his legal team and supporters present at the Kent County Courthouse. “I’m very emotional and am just trying to keep it together here,” he reflected, expressing gratitude that the court acknowledged his fundamental parental rights regarding his four-year-old daughter, Laila.
The judge, Felix Gill, dismissed a petition from the late wife’s parents, both well-respected medical professionals, seeking visitation rights. In making his decision, Gill highlighted that the grandparents had not successfully demonstrated that Naso’s decisions to restrict their access to Laila were unreasonable. The court has also taken into account Scott’s extensive legal battle, which has cost him upwards of £500,000 since its inception.
Veronica Assalone, Scott’s lawyer, remarked on the length and emotional toll of the case, noting that it has been a “roller coaster” for her client. “The [correct] decision was made and now Scott gets to spend time with his daughter and the bleeding gets to stop — to some extent,” she stated. Despite the victory, Scott continues to incur legal costs, and Assalone hinted that an appeal from Scott’s in-laws might be forthcoming.
The case has been steeped in personal tragedy and controversy since its inception. Following his wife’s diagnosis of cancer in 2017, Scott and Sherry welcomed Laila into the world through surrogacy in 2021. Tragically, Sherry’s cancer returned in 2023, ultimately leading to her death in April 2024.
In the wake of her passing, Scott filed a complaint against Sherry’s parents, alleging interference in her medical treatment under the notion of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, now formally recognised as factitious disorder imposed on another. He accused the grandparents of undermining Sherry’s health and prescribing excessive medications for Laila. Both grandparents initially held prominent medical positions but relinquished their licenses shortly after their daughter’s death and vehemently rejected Scott’s claims.
Although the court ultimately sided with Scott, it did not overlook certain missteps on his part during this protracted legal fight. Judge Gill expressed concerns regarding Scott’s motivations, suggesting he had sometimes prioritised his own interests above those of his daughter. “The court is convinced on the cumulation of evidence thus far … that it is in Laila’s best interest to visit with her grandparents,” remarked Gill. However, he confirmed that Scott, as the custodial parent, retained the right to deny visitation.
Scott contested the judge’s assessment, insisting, “I put my daughter’s best interest above my own every time. I’ve essentially bankrupted myself … to fight for her.” Following the ruling, the judge ordered that each party would bear their own legal costs, yet Scott was found in contempt of court for halting previously mandated visitation without appropriate procedures and directed to pay a £2,500 fine subsequently.
“We respect the ruling, but I did what was best for my daughter,” Scott affirmed. Assalone, however, expressed intentions to discuss potential appeals regarding the court’s stance on legal fees, arguing that responsibility for the financial burden should rest with the grandparents.
Looking ahead, Scott indicated he sees little chance of reconciling with his wife’s parents, stating, “At this juncture, I do not think so. In order for that to happen, they would need to take accountability for their actions.” His focus now lies squarely on enjoying time with Laila and honouring Sherry’s memory.
In a bid for normality and healing, Scott planned a simple afternoon at the park with his daughter following the ruling. He also intended to visit Sherry’s grave the following day to express gratitude for her guidance and strength throughout this challenging journey. “This fight is far from over,” he reminded in his reflections, underscoring the depth of his loss and love for his late wife.