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Richard Shotwell / AP file
Ariel Winter.
Updated at 3:30 p.m. PT: Ariel Winter's family drama is over -- for the moment, at least.
On Wednesday, Dec. 12, the "Modern Family" star's mom and sister reached an agreement in their bitter custody battle over the 14-year-old actress.
L.A. County Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas outlined the terms in court, noting that Winter will remain under the guardianship of her 34-year-old sister, Shanelle Gray, until March, when the situation is to be reviewed again. In the meantime, the teen's father, Glenn Workman, will have temporary control of his daughter's estate. Additionally, both parents will undergo counseling with Winter and Gray to attempt to find a longer-term solution for the problem.
"It looks like the court is going to order therapy and counseling to get my family back together, where [we] should be," the actress' brother, Jimmy Workman, said in a press conference, noting that both of his parents were at peace with the decision. "[My father] is...thrilled. My mother is very happy [that] everyone is going to work together."
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Winter, who wore a simple black dress and flats, appeared similarly pleased with the terms. After Judge Levanas' announcement, she cried, relieved, and hugged her sister, with whom she has been staying throughout the whole ordeal. The two then left the courtroom hand-in-hand.
The settlement ends a contentious family feud that began when allegations of physical and emotional abuse surfaced against the star's mother, Chrisoula Workman, in early November. Speaking about the saga after the custody agreement, Jimmy Workman called those allegations "lies and untruths" and said his family had been through "pure hell" because of them.
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"People need to know that my mother is a loving, caring, sweet individual that has done everything for her children. We are very shocked as to why this happened," he said, noting that he missed his sister and wanted to see her again. (Neither he nor his mother is on speaking terms with Winter and Gray at the moment.)
He added: "[I hope] all the lies go away and my younger sister will come back home where she belongs, with my parents."
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