My name is Dustin, and I’m a father doing everything I can to protect my son, Troy. Over the past several years, I’ve been to court multiple times because of ongoing issues with Troy’s mother. The first time, I was a single dad with barely any money, but I fought for custody after CPS was called due to her drug use and unsafe behavior at home. I was granted custody, but the legal costs left me struggling with debt for years. Troy was not even three years old at the time, and all I wanted was to give him a safe and loving environment.

A couple of years later, we had to go back to court because his mother relapsed, this time exposing Troy to her struggles. Despite my efforts and mounting lawyer fees, the courts gave her more time after she got “clean”—though she delayed drug tests to ensure she would pass. She often goes months without seeing Troy because she refuses to take a test when using, but then claims I’m keeping her from him. I’ve always wanted Troy to have a relationship with both parents, since I didn’t have that growing up, but his mother’s actions have made things incredibly difficult. She is behind on child support and has shared things with Troy that no child should have to hear, causing him emotional distress. She manipulates situations and people, leaving me to pick up the pieces and fight for what’s best for our son.

Now, I’m facing another round of court costs. I don’t want to keep digging myself deeper into debt just for trying to give Troy the best chance at a normal, healthy life. Your support will help us cover these legal fees and give us hope for a brighter future. Thank you for standing with us and believing in our story.