Dee & Carl Custody Legal Costs
Donation protected
Anyone who has known our family in the past few years knows what we've been going through in regards to the custody of our niece. She moved in with us in February 2015 as an introverted, timid, 3 year old. Over the next 2 years we worked to help her grow into an outgoing, smart, energetic little girl and she became part of our family as if she'd always been there.
In December of 2016, her mother petitioned for sole custody. Given the history of the case and the reasons for her losing custody in the first place, we thought it was going to be a slam dunk and were told time and again that we shouldn't need a lawyer. Unfortunately, that was incorrect, and since we are unfamiliar with the inner workings of a courtroom and not fluent in legalese, were shut down by the judge and steamrolled by a lawyer every time we tried to speak or present any evidence. Our niece moved back in with her mother in February 2017.
Over the past 11 months, to say that things have not improved would be an understatement. If anything, I would say the situation is worse than it was in 2015 when this all began. A petition for emergency custody has been filed. We have a hearing 1/17 (NEXT WEDNESDAY!), so things are moving quickly and urgently!
I am not one to ask for help lightly, but lawyers are expensive, and I refuse to go into this without every available resource on our side. We're hiring a lawyer to ensure that everything we can do is done to ensure our niece's safety and well-being.
I have heard over the years many people say that they would gladly help us pay for legal expenses if/when the time came. The time is here. So, if you can, anything helps. If you can't, please just keep us in your thoughts...and maybe share this with your wealthy friends?? I kid, I kid!
Regardless, thank you. If you are reading this far, you've probably been there for us a time or two during this whole mess. It means more than you can possibly realize for us to know that we have such an incredible support system within our family and friends.
You reading this. I see you. And I thank you.
In December of 2016, her mother petitioned for sole custody. Given the history of the case and the reasons for her losing custody in the first place, we thought it was going to be a slam dunk and were told time and again that we shouldn't need a lawyer. Unfortunately, that was incorrect, and since we are unfamiliar with the inner workings of a courtroom and not fluent in legalese, were shut down by the judge and steamrolled by a lawyer every time we tried to speak or present any evidence. Our niece moved back in with her mother in February 2017.
Over the past 11 months, to say that things have not improved would be an understatement. If anything, I would say the situation is worse than it was in 2015 when this all began. A petition for emergency custody has been filed. We have a hearing 1/17 (NEXT WEDNESDAY!), so things are moving quickly and urgently!
I am not one to ask for help lightly, but lawyers are expensive, and I refuse to go into this without every available resource on our side. We're hiring a lawyer to ensure that everything we can do is done to ensure our niece's safety and well-being.
I have heard over the years many people say that they would gladly help us pay for legal expenses if/when the time came. The time is here. So, if you can, anything helps. If you can't, please just keep us in your thoughts...and maybe share this with your wealthy friends?? I kid, I kid!
Regardless, thank you. If you are reading this far, you've probably been there for us a time or two during this whole mess. It means more than you can possibly realize for us to know that we have such an incredible support system within our family and friends.
You reading this. I see you. And I thank you.
Organiser
Dominique Rudegeair
Organiser
King of Prussia, PA
