Help Andrea & RJ Secure Legal Representation

Hello, my name is Andrea Perdomo. I’m a 30-year-old mother, student, and survivor. I’ve been clean and out of an abusive relationship for nearly six years (this December marks that milestone). My son, Rodney Jr.—who prefers to go by RJ—and I have lived in California for almost five years now. We moved here to escape our abuser and start a safer, healthier life.

Since then, I’ve completely turned my life around and given my life to Jesus for the sake of my son and myself. I’m a full-time mom, a full-time college student pursuing a career as a general dentist, I work part-time at a private dental practice, and I am a devoted active church member that serves in kids ministry every Sunday. Every day, I strive to build a better future and provide a stable life for RJ.

Unfortunately, despite our progress and healing, we are being pulled back into a legal battle that threatens our peace. I am raising funds to hire a family law attorney to represent us in a custody case scheduled for October 2025, and all evidence is scheduled to be turned in by August 2025. The court proceedings are taking place in Virginia, where we are originally from, and I’ve been denied the ability to transfer the case to California.

The cost of legal representation is overwhelming due to the short time before trial—retainer fees are between $6,500–$7,000, with hourly rates starting at $500/hour. The trial is expected to last around three hours, not including the lawyer’s preparation time. As a single mother already juggling school, work, and parenting, I simply cannot afford this on my own.

I want to be clear: I am not trying to keep RJ away from his father. But RJ has expressed that he does not feel safe with his father and is now in weekly counseling due to trauma from previous visits. During one visit, RJ witnessed his father being arrested and taken to jail—an experience that has deeply affected him.

I am currently required by law to follow a custody agreement that does not reflect RJ’s current emotional or mental well-being. RJ fears the idea of having to return to a situation that causes him distress. He doesn't even want me to answer phone calls from his father. Still, I am legally obligated to comply, or I risk being found in violation of the agreement.

I am asking for your help to raise the funds needed to hire a skilled attorney who can help rewrite the custody agreement in a way that truly supports RJ’s safety, stability, and healing. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to peace and justice.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read our story, and for any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing this campaign with others.

With gratitude,

Andrea & RJ