My name is Patrick Aycock. I am currently dealing with much hardship in my life. My mother was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. She is currently in Stage 4; my family may have a few more years with her. I left my home in Mississippi to stay with my sister to help her provide care for our mother. A few years ago, I had an accident at work that broke my leg at my knee. I had to have surgery and now have a plate and screw holding it together. This accident left me out of work for 6 months. It took me another 6 months to be able to work a decent 30 hours a week without too much pain. Before this work accident, my ex-wife prevented me from seeing my daughter (pictured) for 6 months, despite me paying child support. We went to court to get this resolved as this was in violation of my rights as the father. We saw the judge for 15 minutes before being dismissed to reconvene at a later time. Thankfully, the judge enforced my visitation rights. However, it took 2 more years before we got to go before a judge again, and unfortunately the judge had to recuse themself from the case as they were associated with my ex-wife. On that day, I was still in a wheelchair. The attorney my family hired (it was the last of our family's funds) insisted that we pay another $2000 to continue or sign whatever document my ex's attorney draws up. Because I wanted nothing more than to be able to see my daughter without my ex's interference into my family's lives, I signed the paperwork.

Since that day, I have struggled to make ends meet. No income and a drain of my finances due to court meant that I had to ask others to help me make those ends meet. I always put the needs of my daughter first when she visited. I made sure she had ways to entertain/have fun, she had food to eat, drinks to drink, running water for bathing, and anything else she might need. I tried to take her out to eat or to the arcade to play games with her. I wasnt able to afford to spend a lot on her christmas that year, but i did save money to buy her a birthday present (her own computer). I do try to spoil my child because I love her.

A month or so ago, I was served papers while picking up my daughter from my ex. I have not been able to pay my child support obligations since my accident. I have had other troubles since that day such as having part of my car damaged from an accident with a deer. I owe $5,465 in arrears (back child support). I go to court on December 10th, 2024. I have not been able to contact any person in any "free" legal aid offered in the state of Mississippi. I can not hire an attorney as i have less than $20 in my personal account.

If I am unable to come up with the funds prior to court, and without having legal representation, I will most likely end up in prison for 2 years (this is in my ex's current complaint). My mother is dying of cancer. IF my ex is allowed to have her way in court, I will undoubtedly not be there when my mother passes. I will also have the issue of then owing the court $10,000 in fines, an unknown amount for my ex's legal fees, and about $7,865 in child support when I am let out of prison.

So I humbly ask for anyone who doesn't want to see a father be separated from a daughter he wants to be involved with, please, help me. I am asking for a little bit extra in hopes to be able to afford her christmas this year if I can avoid prison time.