General Hospital Sets Up New Sonny and Ava Custody Battle After Explosive Confrontation
According to reporting from ComingSoon.net and Soap Opera News, General Hospital characters Sonny and Ava are headed for another explosive confrontation following a custody dispute over their young daughter, Avery. The brewing conflict centers on Sonny’s decision to remove Avery from school without notifying Ava, prompting an angry face-off at Sonny’s home.
The Custody Conflict Over Avery
According to ComingSoon.net, the latest tension ignited after Ava received an unexpected call from Avery’s school informing her that the child had been removed from the premises. Because Sonny failed to inform her of the development ahead of time, Ava went directly to his home to confront him.
Soap Opera News reports that Ava, portrayed by Maura West, and Sonny, played by Maurice Benard, share a notoriously difficult co-parenting relationship in Port Charles. While the pair once shared a traditional relationship that eventually dissolved, their years following the split have involved a persistent legal tug-of-war over Avery.
The historical custody battle dates back to November 2015, when Ava recorded Sonny’s threats to secure sole custody. Over subsequent years, custody rights shifted repeatedly through a mix of legal maneuvers, blackmail, and agreements. Ava eventually became Avery’s sole custodial parent in 2021 while Sonny was presumed dead, keeping the child at Wyndemere Castle with her then-husband Nikolas Cassadine. By 2025, Ava and Sonny agreed to joint custody, yet they continue to clash over personal boundaries and parenting decisions.
Broader Drama Across Port Charles
Soap Opera News notes that both characters have also been tangled in separate personal crises. Sonny’s main focus has centered on attempting to quit the mob and transition to a legitimate life, alongside a budding romance with the district attorney.
Meanwhile, Ava has been consumed by the fallout surrounding Nina’s arrest. According to Soap Opera News, Nina was recently taken into WSB custody following a scheme orchestrated by Drew, leaving Ava furious. Soap Opera News highlights that Ava holds significant culpability in the broader criminal web, having helped Drew bury Brennan’s body while knowing Drew was actively framing Nina for the crime.
Additional storylines running concurrently in Port Charles include Michael and Drew putting their cards on the table at Aurora Media despite a fractured relationship over Willow, and Alexis meeting with a potential new client, according to Soap Opera News. Additionally, Tracy is slated to reveal part of her real agenda to an ally, while Jordan faces an unexpected surprise.