Hi, my name is April and I am fundraising on behalf of my husband, Pat and my stepson Jayce. We are in need of help with legal fees associated with child custody.  Most people believe children inherently belong with their mother. In most cases this is true. However in this case my husband is the parent that has what it takes to raise his son. In 2017, my husband was awarded primary custody of Jayce. He received primary custody because of multiple injuries Jayce received after being in his biological mothers care, the worst being a broken arm. Jayce has come home with multiple injuries since the broken arm, including multiple bruises, and a wound from cutting his foot with a butcher knife while in his mother's care. He's been diagnosed with ADHD and PTSD as a result of many negative things that happened while he was in his biological mother's care. Since 2017, my husband has been back and forth to court multiple times per year because Jayce's mom wants to assume full custody or a modification of custody. Most recently, Jayce was assaulted by his 17 year old half brother, (Jayce is 8) around Father's day 2022. He came home with 2 swollen, bruised eyes. He told us his brother punched him in the face. He was reluctant, however to tell us the truth because his biological mom made up a lie for him to tell us. After admitting the truth, Jayce told us that his mom said if he told us the truth about what happened, she would tell the police that his father assaulted him. What kind of person does this? We did press charges against his half brother, and are still waiting for the outcome of this case.

We have been ordered to appear in court again on Oct 17, 2022. Jayce's biological mother is suing us for contempt of a court order (she claims that we do not keep her up to date on Jayce's medical history, drs appointments, school events, etc). She does have access to Jayce's doctor, and his teacher. My husband has asked on more than one occasion if she will take Jayce to drs appointments. We have also invited her to his award ceremonies, his preK graduation, and other school events. She responds by saying to "schedule those things on our time, not hers". She has not taken my stepson to any doctor appointments or attended any in person school events since my husband and I have been together. We have been together since Oct 2018, and got married in June 2021. She is also suing us for modification of child custody. If she wins the contempt order, my husband could face jail time.

We have a new lawyer, and are hoping to receivr some help with lawyer fees. Since 2017, my husband has spent well over 60,000 on lawyers fees. He will do anything to maintain custody of his son. It is becoming more difficult to maintain a household, provide for Jayce, and continue to pay lawyer fees. We appreciate anything you can donate financially or emotionally(kind words, prayer, etc.) Help my husband maintain custody of Jayce, and help Jayce stay in the loving and safe home his has become accustomed to having. Thank you all in advance for your support.