This is Micah.

Micah is seven years old and is being raised by his single Mom, Angel, in Western Massachusetts. Both Micah and his older brother, Arlo, have significant special needs. Micah is Autistic with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and thus requires a structured home environment, regular medical care, and the love and support of the only family he has ever known.

Micah's father has been absent for almost the entirety of his life but has recently petitioned the court for parenting rights out of state (Indiana) with a child that he knows nothing about. Micah's father hired a lawyer to successfully argue his case. Without the financial resources to combat an unscrupulous attorney, Micah's mother didn't stand a chance. Micah was pulled from his home and forced to spend a large portion of his summer with his previously absent father in Indiana. During this time, Micah repeatedly expressed the desire to return home, but was denied.

Away from the structure and care that he needs for his physical, mental, and emotional well-being, without his brother and mother, without the regular structure of his days, and without access to his behavioral and medical care, Micah had a significant regression resulting from his court ordered time in Indiana.

Micah's mother needs help. She's tried legal aid, but they told her they don’t have the resources to take her case. The court system is vast and confusing, and Micah's mother has been repeatedly outplayed by a seasoned law professional skilled at manipulating an inaccessible system. The only way she can achieve an even playing field is to hire her own attorney to advocate for Micah, and that means doing something no one ever wants to do: Ask others for help.

The goal has never been denying parenting time with Micah’s father. In fact, both Micah and his mother would welcome his father's involvement in his life. This is entirely about ensuring that Micah's mental and emotional well-being are being taken into account, and that a fair and balanced approach is taken to arrange for that involvement. The next trial date has been set for December 3rd. Based on how things have progressed in court proceedings so far, Micah’s mother desperately needs legal representation for this hearing, and future hearings, to give Micah his best chance at being effectively advocated for.

Please share this and let's try to help this family obtain the funds needed to have their day in court and give Micah the greatest chance for the best outcome-time with his father in an environment that supports his special needs.