I have been fighting for primary custody of my only child, who turns 1 year old this month. My son was taken away from me when his mother told me she was going on maternity leave for two months in Florida. She secretly moved and refused to come back. During that time, she alienated our son from me for 8 months—I wasn’t even allowed to receive photos.

I had to hire an attorney and, after a long battle, a judge in Virginia finally ruled that jurisdiction belongs here. Because of that, she had to return with our son. Between myself and my family, we have already paid over $30,000 in attorney fees to get to this point.

Our final court date is next month. I just finished paying off past legal fees, only to be told I now need an additional $3,500 to have representation in November. Right now, everything is still under temporary court orders.

My son is my life. Everything I do is for him. I know this is not the best time to ask for help, with the economy and everything else happening in the world, but this is my last option. If I cannot meet this attorney fee by October 31st, I will not have anyone to represent me in court.

At the very least, I will be able to tell my son one day that I tried everything I could to fight for him.

God bless you all.