Custody Battle Fundraiser.

Dear Friends and family,

Some of you may have been keeping up with custody situation through my Facebook updates. Some of you may not know that I have essentially been in the fight of my life for the last two years trying to get equal custody of my son, Gavin. From the moment Gavin was born I have been an equal parent. Before my exwife and I separated I spent more time with him due to the nature of my hours. Gavin’s always been my buddy, and as he says I am his best friend.

Since my ex-wife and I separated, I have actively participated in Gavin’s life with regular visitation. Initially, it was only two weekends of the month due to my job constraints and this is how his current child support is set up. Last year I was able to change my hours and have since exercised 50/50 custody and continued to pay child support based on only two weekends a month. In December of 2018, my ex-wife informed me and the court that she would not only be seeking primary custody but also relocation to back to Virgina. This was devastating to me since this would mean 50/50 would not be possible. We went to mediation but she was unwilling to agree to anything but primary custody.

After mediation and many continuances, my case was finally heard before a judge. On June 14th, the judge decided that while she could not legally compel my ex-wife to stay in NC, my exwife did not provide a justification for the move other than purely selfish reasons. She ordered that we maintain 50/50 until Gavin is school-age. At that time my exwife will get primary custody. This was probably one of the most difficult things I have had to face. Knowing Gavin will be uprooted to new home, new childcare, and have to be shuttled between VA and N.C. every other week and then have yet another change when he begins school is heartbreaking for me. He deserves better. So I was prepared to move forward as best I can with this decision and as my lawyer said there is no appealing it. But there has been very significant development that could change all of it. I cannot go into detail but my lawyer believes we have excellent reason to request a special hearing and go back before the judge. This is huge because there is typically no way to appeal these types of decisions.

That brings me to my reason for setting up the page. I need help with the legal fees for this last effort. Over the course of the case I have spent $13,000 in legal fees. My family has helped with monetary gifts and loans ( most of which I have paid back or I am actively repaying) and a large portion I have paid out of the limited funds I have. I am simply tapped out. The pressure and anxiety of the case and the legal fees have been suffocating and difficult. Those of you who know me, know how hard it is for me to ask for this kind of help;  but I am humbling myself in order to do what is right and best for Gavin and for our relationship. Help me to get Gavin continued consistent time with me and maintain the strong bond we have. Help me continue to be the daddy that is a present essential influence in Gavin’s life. I am hoping to raise the $5,000 that is required in the trust with my lawyer in order for him to file the motion for a new hearing. We are under the gun to file ASAP.  A donation of any amount would be greatly appreciated. I could also still use all prayers for this to work out for Gavin and me. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this.