Bring Violet home

Since Heather and Violet’s father split up when Violet was 1 they unofficially shared custody. He would have her half the week and Heather would keep her the other half. When his life became complicated his Mother, Theresa, took over his half of the week. Two years ago, Heather was asked to sign a paper, by Theresa, for Insurance purposes to allow Violet to keep her PCP. Without her understanding Heather signed away her parental rights.

There was a hearing February 6th 2019, completely without Heather’s knowledge, to give Theresa full custody until Violet turns 18. Heather was unaware of this change until July 2019 when Theresa started keeping Violet from Heather. Heather was able find the document, through the court, that showed that Theresa had full legal custody. When confronted, by Heather and Violet’s father, Theresa denied having custody.

Theresa continued to limit Heather’s time with Violet to the weekends. Many weekend Theresa would ignore Heather calls and keep Violet. Whenever ever Heather asks for more time with Violet Theresa will ignore Heather and not let her see Violet. When Heather is more compliant to Theresa, she is allowed her weekend visits. 

Heather looked into pro bono and low-income lawyers but was unable to get any support. Heather went to court with Violets father as support and represented herself. Theresa had a lawyer.  The statements made by Theresa's lawyer were untrue and Heather did not have a chance to respond. The judge spoke to the lawyer directly but never asked Heather any follow up questions outside of her one original statement. 

Since Violet has been more separated from Heather, she’s shown signs of anxiety and having panic attacks. There are signs that Theresa has been speaking negatively to Violet about her parents.  When Heather addressed these concerns with Theresa she continues to be fully ignored. Heather feels she is losing touch with her child and that she is unable to keep her from the emotional damage that is being done. It’s clear that she needs representation so that she can regain custody and begin the work to undo the trauma this has caused Violet. Heather is out of work because she just had her second daughter October 2nd 2020. Please help Heather bring Violet home.