Help blind mother keep fighting for son!!
Donation protected
Hello All. My name is Andrea. I'm originally from Sacramento California. I moved to Chicago in 2009 to be with the man who is now my husband, Jose. I'm also the mother of my 13-year-old son Ruben, who lives in Riverside County, California.
On April 30, My son found his father dead in bed. It was a shock to all of us. Ruben's dad and I were always on good terms. We kept things amicable for Ruben's sake, and I did the best I could to see him when I could. There were no court orders involved whatsoever.
I conducted my own research, and In California, this means that custody goes to the living parent by default. That would be me. Several legal clinics in Riverside county have also verified this with me. Ruben's half brother didn't like that I planned on bringing my son back to Chicago so he's making it very difficult for me to bring him home. When I went to Riverside County the weekend of 05/09, I only saw my son for under an hour on mother's day, before the half brother took him away from me. He went so far as to rush through an emergency custody hearing to gain temporary guardianship. This half brother also happens to be a deputy sheriff with riverside county. Five different cops wouldn't help me retrieve my son. They lied to my face and told me that this was a civil case. I've only met this half brother a few times when he was a child. My son only saw him every few months.
My son is currently with the half brother, who was granted temporary guardianship until a 2nd hearing that's in September, pending further investigation from the courts and from CPS. I've already hired an attorney at an enormous expense, to represent me going forward.
I'm asking for $10,000 because depending on how things pan out, I may have to stay in California for an extended period, and I don't know how much things will cost. I have no support in Southern California; Ruben's father was where I'd stay to visit my son, and now he's gone. The attorney I hired came well-recommended, and depending on how long this battle will take, I'll have to pay more to retain her representation. Because I'm on SSI and subsidized housing, that means transferring my social security and medical benefits to California if I'm required to stay a while. I'll have to find living accommodations in Northern California, where my family and I are from. Until my benefits transfer over, I'll be medically uninsured in California, and will be required to pay full-market rent.
Jose and I decided to make 2 fundraisers for this situation. I made him the beneficiary of this one, so he could manage the incoming donations, and issue them to me as necessary. At this time, both fundraisers are being used to cover the rent for my apartment in Oakdale, which is due on the first of the month. This fundraiser will also be used to cover legal fees once the initial retainer has been depleted, while the second fundraiser will cover any possible expenses like flights to and from Southern California, hotel accommodations in Southern California, etc.
SO that's my story. I thank you for taking the time to read this, and appreciate any donations you can provide. They really help us. In these current times, many of us are suffering one way or another. Therefore, if you're unable to donate, please consider sharing far and wide. Thank you again, and God bless.
On April 30, My son found his father dead in bed. It was a shock to all of us. Ruben's dad and I were always on good terms. We kept things amicable for Ruben's sake, and I did the best I could to see him when I could. There were no court orders involved whatsoever.
I conducted my own research, and In California, this means that custody goes to the living parent by default. That would be me. Several legal clinics in Riverside county have also verified this with me. Ruben's half brother didn't like that I planned on bringing my son back to Chicago so he's making it very difficult for me to bring him home. When I went to Riverside County the weekend of 05/09, I only saw my son for under an hour on mother's day, before the half brother took him away from me. He went so far as to rush through an emergency custody hearing to gain temporary guardianship. This half brother also happens to be a deputy sheriff with riverside county. Five different cops wouldn't help me retrieve my son. They lied to my face and told me that this was a civil case. I've only met this half brother a few times when he was a child. My son only saw him every few months.
My son is currently with the half brother, who was granted temporary guardianship until a 2nd hearing that's in September, pending further investigation from the courts and from CPS. I've already hired an attorney at an enormous expense, to represent me going forward.
I'm asking for $10,000 because depending on how things pan out, I may have to stay in California for an extended period, and I don't know how much things will cost. I have no support in Southern California; Ruben's father was where I'd stay to visit my son, and now he's gone. The attorney I hired came well-recommended, and depending on how long this battle will take, I'll have to pay more to retain her representation. Because I'm on SSI and subsidized housing, that means transferring my social security and medical benefits to California if I'm required to stay a while. I'll have to find living accommodations in Northern California, where my family and I are from. Until my benefits transfer over, I'll be medically uninsured in California, and will be required to pay full-market rent.
Jose and I decided to make 2 fundraisers for this situation. I made him the beneficiary of this one, so he could manage the incoming donations, and issue them to me as necessary. At this time, both fundraisers are being used to cover the rent for my apartment in Oakdale, which is due on the first of the month. This fundraiser will also be used to cover legal fees once the initial retainer has been depleted, while the second fundraiser will cover any possible expenses like flights to and from Southern California, hotel accommodations in Southern California, etc.
SO that's my story. I thank you for taking the time to read this, and appreciate any donations you can provide. They really help us. In these current times, many of us are suffering one way or another. Therefore, if you're unable to donate, please consider sharing far and wide. Thank you again, and God bless.
Organizer and beneficiary
Andrea Love
Organizer
Oakdale, CA
Jose Martinez
Beneficiary