Attorney Fees to Gain Custody of Jacob

For those of you who don’t already know, meet Jacob. Jacob is a three-year-old boy born September 3rd, 2015. Jacob has been my entire world since he was placed in my arms by Child Protective Services on March 23rd, 2016, at just 6 months old. My journey with Jacob has been a long, emotional one, but I wouldn’t take any of it back if I could. I’ve watched this little boy go through more than any young child should ever be put through. And though I never had much say, I never stopped fighting for him. We were all set for adopting Jacob early 2017 when his biological father was released from prison and decided he wanted Jacob. Jacob had never met his father at this point. The father was given full custody of Jacob in July 2017.

I still didn’t give up. I still fought to be in Jacob’s life. Jacob’s father allowed me to continue seeing Jacob, mostly because he couldn’t afford daycare and to him, I was a free babysitter. I had him 3 or 4 days out of the week. Jacob’s father never showed a real interest in Jacob. He would become frustrated when he noticed Jacob’s attachment to Kenley and me was much stronger than his own, and threaten to cut me off. Over the past year that Jacob has been in the full legal custody of his father, his father has been to jail several times for violating parole (positive UAs), attempted suicide on multiple occasions, and emotionally and physically abused Jacob (pushing Jacob down the stairs, leaving bruises from hitting him so hard, and screaming at him and calling him names). The father has been investigated by social services almost a dozen times.
 
I have been Jacob’s mother since he was 6 months old. He doesn’t know another mom. His biological mom is uninvolved. In July 2018, I served Jacob’s father with custody papers. Jacob’s father was initially very cooperative with me and we wrote out the parenting plan together. However, he has since waivered. In August 2018, Jacob’s father went into 6-month treatment for his meth addiction and suicidal attempts. I currently have temporary guardianship over Jacob and have had him full time in my care since. In the beginning, I would call him weekly so that Jacob could talk to his father. He had one home pass in the beginning of October and was able to visit Jacob for half the day, however, he hasn’t called to talk to or see Jacob since.

I am seeking legal custody of Jacob. Because I am not Jacob’s biological parent, I am in need of an attorney to fight for the best interest of Jacob and I am in desperate need of financial help. Jacob’s family and his stable environment is at risk. Your help will mean so much to Jacob and our family. If you can, please consider donating. Your donation will go strictly to retainer and other legal fees only.