Help Jeffrey Fight Unjust Legal Judgment

My name is Jeffrey, and I am a Youth Services Librarian who has always tried to stand up for what is right, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable family members. This living document will continue to be updated, and it contains details of our story and what we stand for: "Keys for Conner." My nephew, Andrew, and his brother, Conner, were orphaned in the span of a single week—first losing their mother to melanoma, and then their father, Chet, who died two days later from a heart attack brought on by alcoholism, poor health, and prescription medication. My family and I stepped in to rescue Andrew and Conner, helping them cope with the immediate aftermath of losing both parents so suddenly.

Recently, I found myself facing a harsh and unjust judgment from a Texas court after I tried to protect Andrew from what I believe is exploitation by his adopter and paternal uncle, Stephen. Andrew, who is my wife's deceased sister's child, was moved to Texas, without being given a choice, by Stephen, who was also his deceased father’s estate administrator. Prior to moving, Stephen resigned as the estate’s administrator after selling off all assets except those he wanted to keep as part of his Administrator's fees. He even attempted to secure a default judgment to transfer over half-a-million dollars from Conner's inheritance into his own account, but I filed legal paperwork to prevent this. Thanks to the efforts of me, my wife, and my sister, Conner will now receive his full inheritance when he turns 18.

During the court trial, I learned that Andrew has not been prepared for college, and I am unsure if he has been given the opportunity to learn a trade through a trade school. These were concerns I wanted to discuss with the judge, but I was not allowed to fully present my case. It is also my belief that Andrew has not been sufficiently assessed for special needs, such as potential cognitive issues. The adopter cut him off from mental healthcare after the move, despite previously stating to San Diego's Family Court Services that both boys had been in therapy since coming into his care. The adopter has also deliberately alienated Andrew and Conner from me, my wife, and her sister by making unsubstantiated claims about us.

When I represented myself in court, asking for oversight and to delay the adoption until Andrew's future was more secure, I was not allowed to fully present my case. The judge refused to hear my side of the story and sanctioned me, ordering me to pay a significant judgment. This has forced me to dip into my retirement savings and put off essential needs like car repairs and dental care, which are critical for my work as a librarian. My professional responsibilities and personal well-being are at risk because of this judgment. I am raising funds to cover the legal judgment and to bring attention to the dangers of unchecked exploitation in guardianship and adoption cases. I hope my story will help others recognize the warning signs and encourage more oversight in similar situations. Your support will not only help me recover from this financial setback but also shine a light on issues that affect many families.