I am a father currently navigating a custody appeal in Macomb County, Michigan, and I am reaching out for help covering the legal costs of that process.

As you all likely know, being a father is my favorite job in the world. I believe part of that job is protecting my daughters relationships with family and friends.  Over the past several years, my daughter and I have maintained a close, consistent relationship built around a stable and mutually agreed-upon parenting arrangement. That arrangement worked well for our family for an extended period, and it formed the foundation of our daily lives together. Earlier this year, a series of court proceedings resulted in a significant reduction in my parenting time — an outcome I believe was reached through a process that did not follow the legal standards Michigan law requires before such a change can be made.

I am in the process of filing an appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. I am representing myself, which means I am responsible for every cost associated with the appeal — including obtaining official transcripts of the court proceedings, paying the appellate filing fee, and preparing the legal documents required to move the case forward.

These are not optional expenses. They are mandatory components of the appellate process, and without them the appeal cannot proceed. The specific costs I am seeking help with are as follows. Court transcripts from two hearings are required and must be ordered and paid for before the appeal can be filed. Transcript fees in Michigan are currently $3.75 per page for the original, with a minimum charge of $50.00 per proceeding. The filing fee for the Michigan Court of Appeals is $375.00. There are also costs associated with obtaining certified copies of court orders and other required documents from the trial court.

In total, I am seeking to raise approximately $1,000 to $1,500 to cover these immediate costs and ensure the appeal can be filed on time and executed properly.

Every contribution, regardless of size, directly supports my ability to pursue this appeal and to continue being an active, present parent in my daughter’s life. I am grateful for any support you are able to offer, and I will provide updates on the progress of the case as it moves through the appellate process.