Micah's Fight for Custody and Health
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Micah, I also go by Janette. I am currently working for DelHaize and staying in a motel. I am a single mother of one beautiful daughter. I am going to be an open book about my hardships.
I’ve been dealing with a guardianship issue with my father and his long-term girlfriend for the past 6 months. The help I asked for is being used against me. I don’t have much support. I took care of my mother from 8-15 and have been on my own since, now 29.
My father and his girlfriend have tried to say in court that I’ve abused my daughter and they have kept her away from me. The judge saw the father-daughter conflict and denied BOTH PFAs and dismissed it. The judge for the guardianship is ready to hear my story and obtain my evidence through my attorney.
I’ve had to call for wellness checks multiple times because they would not let me see nor talk to my child for days — not abiding by the court order. I’ve called DFS multiple times as well because of my daughter’s body language. She is around nothing but adults when I speak to her via FaceTime. She speaks to me as if she is scripted and has been turned against me.
I had a cousin say to the court she’d help me in VA and stay with her so I could get my daughter back, but she betrayed me and I had to press charges on her.
I’ve now been using the last of what I have to stay at a motel on top of trying to keep my type 1 diabetes stabilized and not risk having a seizure episode because I am epileptic and my stress levels have been beyond out of control. I have my virtual therapy sessions, but that helps only so much.
I don’t have much support nor family that is willing to help me even with all the evidence I gave them. Throughout this journey, I have learned that a stranger will help you first before a family member.
I am not one that likes to ask for help, but I feel like I need to because everyone and everything seems to be against me.
I am not asking for much because I am working and seeking a second job to save and looking for housing for me and my child so I can show the court that I am stable again.
I am beyond thankful for any help and resources.
Thank you.
Organizer
Micah Smith
Organizer
Richmond, VA