Brooke & George Emergency Legal Help

Hey everyone! I'm Brooke's sister Lucy, and know she's struggling (and that it's hard to ask for help)

Long story kind of short? Brooke had to file for Emergency Custody of George. She was told by DHS and law enforcement that if she didn’t file for emergency custody, she could lose her son. So she acted immediately, and had to change her parenting plan (court fees).

Despite recommendations from DHS, NW Case workers, and the police that there be no contact with the other parent, to ensure George had a voice in court, my sister had to hire an attorney just for him — something he couldn’t have on his own unless he personally petitioned the court in writing.

She’s had to cover lawyer fees, court costs, and paperwork from George’s counselor — paperwork that was essential for police reports and investigations. While the judge originally dismissed the case, both my sister and George were later subpoenaed by the DA’s office and just before George was supposed to go to his father’s, that parent was officially prosecuted.

Meanwhile, George needed emergency dental care. His father is legally responsible for providing insurance and splitting medical expenses, but has denied coverage and refused to pay his share. That left my sister to pay out-of-pocket for urgent medical needs — all while raising George on her own, without financial help, and without even being able to claim the child tax credit (because the other parent filed first and earns more).

She now has 100% responsibility for George, yet her requests to modify the parenting plan have been repeatedly denied by the court. She’s juggling trauma counseling, school costs, legal filings, and day-to-day care — all while trying to earn enough to provide stability for her son, who has already been through so much in the last three years.

Because part of this situation is handled in civil court, many costs aren't covered — and help only becomes available after abuse is confirmed and documented. In this case, while authorities moved quietly behind the scenes in order to build their case and arrest the other parent, the judge responsible for the parenting plan thought everything had been resolved and closed. That decision left my sister stuck with thousands in legal and medical debt — debt that should have been his, but now rests on her.

She did everything she was supposed to do. She followed the guidance of professionals. She put George’s safety first, every single time. Now she’s exhausted and overwhelmed, and any help is greatly appreciated.