Hi, my name is Ryan Alvar.
I’m a proud father of four—two incredible adult children who continue to make me proud every day, and two little ones, just 5 and 4 years old, who I am currently in the fight of my life to protect.
My oldest graduated from the University of Minnesota this May with her BA and has already been accepted into their Public Health Master’s Program on the pre-med track. My second is a high school senior with dreams of becoming an engineer. They are thriving, and they remind me every day of what stability, support, and love can do for a child.
But my two youngest children have been separated from me since July 2, 2024, when their mother withheld them, and the family court failed to act despite clear evidence of abuse, trauma, and misconduct.
I never imagined I would have to fight this hard simply to be a father to my children, or to protect them from the very trauma our courts should be preventing.
Why This Fight Matters
For more than a year, I’ve been battling a broken system that:
- Ignored documented abuse, police reports, and audio recordings of harm to my children.
- Denied me temporary custody even after finding the child abuse claims unsubstantiated.
- Allowed a Guardian ad Litem to excuse misconduct while punishing me for exposing it.
- Told me, in open court: “Mental health has nothing to do with this case.”
This is not just about my family anymore. This is about systemic failures in Minnesota’s family courts, rooted in outdated models like the Duluth Model, which assumes fathers are aggressors and mothers are victims—ignoring evidence, ignoring mental health, and ignoring the truth.
Children are suffering because of this system. Mine are living proof.
What’s Happening Now
This fight has escalated. I am now pursuing:
Federal Civil Rights Case – Filed in U.S. District Court against the State of Minnesota, judges, counties, cities, court-appointed officials, and state-funded organizations. This case exposes constitutional violations, systemic bias, and misconduct that go far beyond one family. It’s already scheduled for its first hearing.
Expert Witnesses – I am working with leading experts like Dr. Donald Dutton, one of the world’s foremost authorities on domestic violence and false allegations, to bring undeniable evidence into court.
State Court Battles – Four major motions are being heard in the next two weeks, followed immediately by the first federal hearing. Every one of these requires preparation, filings, and legal defense.
Reform Efforts on the Ground – Through the Real Dad Initiative, I am working directly with legislators and families to push for new laws, oversight of guardians and judges, and protections for children. Reform is not just the goal—it’s already happening.
Why I Need Your Help
Fighting on two fronts—state and federal—comes with extraordinary costs:
- Federal filing fees, service of process, and trial preparation.
- Expert witness fees, including Dr. Dutton’s work.
- Legal research, documentation, and appeals.
- Website and outreach tools to raise awareness and push for reform.
- Ongoing costs of the Real Dad Initiative and legislative advocacy.
I have invested everything into this fight. Now, I need your help to keep going—not just for my children, but for every parent and child trapped in this broken system.
How You Can Help
- Donate if you can – Every dollar goes directly toward legal costs, experts, and reform efforts.
- Share this campaign – Even if you can’t give, spreading the word helps build the movement.
- Join the cause – Follow updates at www.ryanalvar.com and subscribe to stay informed.
This fight is far from over—but it is gaining momentum. With your help, we can make sure it doesn’t just protect my children, but leads to lasting change for families everywhere.
For my children,
Ryan William Alvar
Organizer
Ryan Alvar
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN