Hi, I’m Seth, Fiona’s dad. Last Tuesday the court appointed a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to independently advocate for Fiona’s best interests. The GAL’s work is essential—and it’s expensive. I’m raising funds to cover the GAL’s retainer and ongoing fees so the court has the clearest, most child-focused picture possible.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I’ve been fighting to stay in my daughter’s life since she was 2 years old.

Early years: While I was at work, Fiona’s mother left without warning. Within a year, she had moved in with a former college friend of mine and took Fiona to Asheville, North Carolina, hundreds of miles from both sides of our family and the Mississippi community where her mom and I grew up.

False allegations & a lost year: Months after the move, allegations of abuse were made against me. I was kept from my child for a year while the court investigated. The court found no evidence to support the claims and noted the harm done to Fiona by being unreasonably separated from her father.

Doing everything I could: I traveled to Asheville whenever I could, stayed on biweekly FaceTime, followed every court-ordered visit, paid child support, kept Fiona insured, and even bought a home and rebuilt her bedroom from scratch so she’d always have a place here.

A glimmer of normal: After Hurricane Helene last October, Fiona returned to Mississippi temporarily. For a few precious weeks, life felt the way it should have been all along—time with me, her grandparents, our church family, and lifelong friends.

Taken again—farther than ever: On November 1, my ex-wife took Fiona to Anchorage, Alaska without notice. I learned later Fiona was told it was a “vacation” and to keep it secret from me. Since that day, I’ve been working with counsel to bring her home. A 4,000-mile move makes maintaining our relationship nearly impossible and cuts her off from the people and community who love her.

I work full-time serving my community with AmeriCorps and the Boys & Girls Club. I love the work, but it doesn’t pay much. I’m actively earning certifications to better our situation. I’m not jobless or lazy—I’m a committed dad who’s already spent tens of thousands of dollars to protect his bond with his child. I’m asking for help because this next step—the GAL—matters, and I can’t do it alone.

What a Guardian ad Litem Does (and Why It Matters)

A GAL is an independent professional appointed by the court to represent the child’s best interests. They interview parents, family, teachers, and doctors; conduct home visits; review records; and make recommendations to the judge focused solely on the child. Their work is thorough—and billed by retainer and hourly fees.

How Your Donation Will Be Used

Every dollar will go to Fiona’s case, specifically to:

GAL retainer and hourly fees

Court-related costs (filings, copies, records)

Any required travel expenses tied to GAL work or hearings

If funds exceed GAL costs, they will go toward Fiona’s needs related to the case (e.g., counseling, visitation travel) or additional legal fees necessary to secure a stable plan in her best interests. I will post updates and receipts so you know where your support went.

Why Now

Time matters. I believe Fiona needs a chance to be a kid again—back in Mississippi, in a stable home with two sets of loving grandparents, our church family, and friends she’s known her whole life. From what I’m told, her current situation in Alaska leaves her isolated and indoors much of the time, without the community connections and activities that help children thrive. The GAL’s independent voice can help the court see the full picture and chart the healthiest path forward for her.

How You Can Help

Donate any amount—truly, every dollar helps.

Share this campaign with friends, family, churches, and parent groups.

Pray for wisdom for the court, the GAL, and for Fiona’s peace and well-being.

This campaign isn’t about me. It’s about a little girl having a safe, stable childhood surrounded by people who love her. I’m a father asking—humbly—for help to make sure Fiona is heard.

Thank you for reading, sharing, and giving. From the bottom of my heart—thank you for helping me fight for my daughter.